Supervision Studio vs Spreadsheets
While spreadsheets are free and familiar, Supervision Studio provides automatic BACB compliance monitoring, digital attestations with e-signatures, and audit-ready documentation—features that spreadsheets can't offer without significant manual effort.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Supervision Studio | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic compliance monitoringReal-time supervision ratio calculations | ||
| Digital attestationsAuto-generated from logged hours | ||
| E-signaturesLegally-binding electronic signatures | ||
| Mobile accessLog hours from any device | ||
| Multi-supervisor supportWork with multiple supervisors | ||
| HIPAA complianceEncrypted, secure storage | ||
| Audit-ready exportsOne-click PDF exports for BACB | ||
| Supervision alertsNotifications for compliance deadlines | ||
| Hour calculationsSS is automatic, sheets require formulas | ||
| Data backupAutomatic cloud backup | ||
| Free optionBoth offer free options | ||
| Learning curveSpreadsheets require formula knowledge | Low | Medium |
Common Spreadsheet Problems
Formula Errors
A single formula mistake can miscalculate your supervision ratio, potentially invalidating months of work when discovered during audit.
Manual Attestation Creation
Hours spent each month manually creating attestation documents from spreadsheet data, then printing, signing, and scanning.
No HIPAA Compliance
Standard Google Sheets and Excel aren't HIPAA compliant. Storing client-related supervision data could create liability.
Version Control Issues
Multiple versions, overwrites, and accidental deletions. "Which spreadsheet is the current one?"
Time Savings Estimate
Typical monthly time spent on supervision documentation:
| Task | Spreadsheets | Supervision Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Logging hours | 30 min | 5 min |
| Creating attestations | 45 min | 2 min |
| Compliance checking | 20 min | Automatic |
| Signature collection | 30 min | 2 min |
| Monthly Total | ~2 hours | ~10 minutes |
That's approximately 22 hours saved per year on documentation alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import my existing spreadsheet data?
Yes, Supervision Studio allows you to import historical hours from spreadsheets. Our support team can help you migrate your data during onboarding.
Is Supervision Studio more expensive than spreadsheets?
Supervision Studio offers a free tier that includes core tracking features. When you factor in the time saved and reduced risk of compliance errors, most users find it more cost-effective than spreadsheets.
What if I prefer spreadsheets?
If spreadsheets work for you, that's great! However, many users switch after experiencing compliance issues or spending hours formatting attestations. We're here when you're ready.
Can my supervisor access my hours like in a shared spreadsheet?
Yes, Supervision Studio provides real-time visibility for supervisors. They can review hours, approve attestations, and monitor compliance without managing shared files.
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