THE ENGINEER'S TABLES

A time-saving workbook for engineers who want to benefit from spreadsheets.

Mote believes “that civil/structural engineers have not grown with the advances of the computer age.” To make their lives easier, save time and increase productivity, Mote–a specialist in structural-engineering calculations–developed “the Mote Method.” The first book in his series, The Engineer’s Word (2007), addressed ways engineers can make the best use of Microsoft Word. This second book concerns the use of Microsoft Excel 2003, which the author says “is still regarded with suspicion by many engineers.” His methodology is designed to create a formatted calculation or report with Microsoft Word 2003, and then generate benchmarked engineering spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel 2003. Mote aims to have engineers spend their time supporting calculations with an available tool instead of developing specialized engineering spreadsheets. The author attempts to dispel any skepticism about Excel by thoroughly exploring how calculations can be effectively executed in spreadsheets. He offers advice preparing layouts, planning the development of spreadsheets, executing flow and logic diagrams, and tracking changes. To ensure that engineers are not overwhelmed, Mote moves through spreadsheet design in four levels–from simple to complex. The book is extremely comprehensive, and includes chapters that address all aspects of using Excel. The book makes extensive use of examples, step-by-step instructions and figures of Excel spreadsheets which illustrate exactly what needs to be done. The Engineer’s Tables could only be improved if it were translated into a CD-based or online program to augment the engineer’s hands-on use of Excel. Otherwise, the book covers its topic completely and authoritatively.

Offers real value for engineers already convinced of Excel’s efficacy.