Utilizing Spark Shell for Excel Collaboration

Hello, this is Raman Coherent. Today, I'm going to walk you through how we can utilize Spark Shell to share Excel raters, or any Excel file that requires collaboration within an organization, while maintaining control of the individual IP that makes this rater or model impactful to your organization. We use our tool, Spark Shell, to achieve this.

Introduction to Group Health Rater

On my screen, you can see a group health rater. It allows us to quote a number of group health plans. A common issue we hear from peers is that collaboration is difficult. Multiple Excel files are sent out, and updates require sending new versions. Clients often struggle to ensure they are using the latest version, and someone has to reconcile this.

Benefits of Coherent Spark

With Coherent Spark, we can quickly bring control into this space and make updates simple. On the right side of my screen, you'll see the Coherent Assistant. This tool creates a shell, which acts as a user interface and a set of control tools, providing traceability and scenario evaluation.

High-Level Steps to Use Spark Shell

1. Define Inputs and Outputs: Start by defining what your inputs and outputs are.

2. Configure Settings: Configure settings specific to Shell, such as the number of sheets to include. You can choose which sheets to show or hide. For example, only show the "plan design" sheet to end users.

3. Control Access: Require logins to protect unauthorized access. Select auto-update to ensure updates are pushed to all users. Lock down the file to prevent uncontrolled versions.

4. Include Submit Button: Decide if you want a submit button for finalizing and sending responses, such as an RFP response in group health.

5. Guidance Text: Include guidance text to explain the process to users.

Creating the Shell

After completing the steps, create the shell. Upload a model of the service into Spark, ensuring version control. This process moves Excel operations from the user's machine to Coherent Spark, providing the latest information through the user interface developed in Shell.

Finalizing and Using the Shell

Save the created shell, for example, as "group health shell." The shell will have a singular tab, maintaining control over the Excel file. Users can make changes, such as adjusting deductibles, and see updates in real time. Data validation can be enforced, and changes can be made iteratively. Finally, the submit button sends the final response into Spark.

Conclusion

I hope this video provides a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage Spark in the group health space to increase collaboration and maintain control. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Coherent. Thanks.