Choose Entity Watch when the spreadsheet is taking more time than the work it tracks, when missed changes are creating client risk, or when partners and reviewers need compliance proof that is not a static file.
Product comparison
Entity Watch vs Spreadsheets
Manual Companies House tracking versus automatic overnight monitoring and proof.
Many firms still track Companies House obligations in spreadsheets — a shared Google Sheet or Excel file listing companies, deadlines, and assigned staff. It works until it does not. Entity Watch replaces the manual rebuild with automatic overnight monitoring, verification workflow, and compliance proof delivery.
Feature comparison
Entity Watch vs Spreadsheets
| Feature | Entity Watch | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|
| Change detection | Automatic overnight sync detects officer, filing, PSC, and status changes | Someone has to check Companies House manually and update the sheet |
| Morning status | Automatic Compliance Pulse delivered before the team starts work | Whoever owns the spreadsheet rebuilds the status view |
| Verification tracking | Dedicated workflow with owner assignment, blocker tracking, and activity history | Extra columns and colour-coding in the sheet |
| Proof of follow-through | Logged delivery history, reusable artifacts, and prepared-for metadata | A saved copy of the spreadsheet at a point in time |
| Team visibility | Shared workspace with role-based access, watchlists, and tags | File permissions and hoping everyone uses the same sheet |
| Scalability | Handles 10 to 2,000 companies with the same workflow | Becomes unmanageable as the portfolio grows |
| Data accuracy | Synced directly from Companies House every night | Only as accurate as the last manual update |
| Cost | Free tier for up to 10 companies, then from £59/month | Free (but the hidden cost is staff time and missed changes) |
Where Entity Watch leads
Entity Watch strengths
- No manual checking — changes are detected overnight automatically
- Morning proof is ready before the team starts work
- Verification workflow replaces colour-coded columns with real tracking
- Proof artifacts and delivery history replace snapshot copies
- Scales from a handful of companies to thousands without rework
Where Spreadsheets leads
Spreadsheets strengths
- Zero software cost
- Full control over layout and columns
- No onboarding or learning curve for basic use
- Works offline
When to choose what
Which tool fits your workflow?
Keep using a spreadsheet if you track fewer than 10 companies, rarely need to prove follow-through, and have a single person who reliably maintains the sheet.
Bottom line
Spreadsheets work at very small scale. Entity Watch replaces the manual rebuild with automatic detection, real verification tracking, and compliance proof — and the free tier lets you try it without committing to a paid plan.
Try Entity Watch free
Track up to 10 companies at no cost. No credit card required.