Audit Commander

Version 1.56 released, as well as articles

Mike.Blakley — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:03:45 +0000

Version 1.56 includes faster sorting speeds for files of up to 2 billion rows with sorting by up to 200 columns. Also included is the ability to run XL Audit Commander using either Excel macros or through the Windows Scripting Host. A paper on the topic is available which describes the process. An Excel macro workbook named Macros.xls is included with the installation software. Note that version 1.56 is required in order to run these macros or scripts. The setup program (11.9 MB) is available for download.

Hope to see you at the IIA Fraud Forum in Bonita Springs, FL on May 16th. Topic is the use of digital analysis for the detection of fraud patterns.

Release 1.52 of the XL Audit Commander is available

Mike.Blakley — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:27:39 +0000

Support is now provided for both comma separated value format files (CSV), as well as “print” files through the use of file specifications. Further information is available. Also, there are now a variety of tutorials available in shockwave format to demonstrate the system in action. Information about system limitations is now available.

Version 1.42 released, handles CSV and print files, has help

Mike.Blakley — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:01:08 +0000

The latest version, released 11/24/2007, includes support for CSV files and “print” files and also includes a “help” button on the forms screen. Further, there are several examples demonstrating its use: 1) interval sampling, 2) testing Benford’s law in MS-Access database, 3) Data Stratification and 4) Date checking. Other examples and articles have been added.

A demo of the system is available for viewing.

What’s new in version 1.36

Mike.Blakley — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 02:31:49 +0000

Updates

Version 1.34 adds chart results for certain of the audit commands, such as population statistics, weekday analysis, Benford’s Law, etc. These charts are produced in industry standard GIF format and may optionally be saved or stored on the computer for inclusion in reports or used as the basis for editing.

Version 1.34 also includes two additional audit commands used for running a series of command language statements at once. This facilitates performing a series of analytical procedures in a documented and standard manner. The new audit command is called “bc” for batch command, and executes a series of commands on consecutive rows in a worksheet. There are examples provided in the QuickStart workbook at http://ezrstats.com/online/inno/QS.xls.

Version 1.36 adds three commands: query, graphics and trendline. The purpose of the query command is to import data from databases to a worksheet for further analysis. The trendline command is used to chart a series of points. Also, in version 1.36, the charts have been made a little larger, along with the option to specify a title, using the title= parameter. The graphics command is used to set the color theme of the charts displayed

Software is an Excel addin, which is available for free download.

XL Audit Commander version 1.32 released

Mike.Blakley — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:55:43 +0000

The latest version has been upgraded to include the ability to obtain cross-tabulations, test for round numbers, do data extractions and perform calculations. Several mini “Audit Guides” have been released - including “Round Numbers” , “Holiday Date testing“, and “Data Stratification“. There is no charge for the software which can be downloaded and installed using a standard setup.exe. An Operation Guide is available with details, as well as online help.

XL Audit Commander version 1.22

Mike.Blakley — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:34:03 +0000

Several users have pointed out that the Chi Square statistics obtained using Benford’s law differ from that obtained using the chi square command alone - this has been corrected, details are available. I have also had several requests to “streamline” the entry of commands and provide a logging facility in order to maintain an audit trail of the commands processed. These features have been included in version 1.22 which can be downloaded. Details on the upgrade can be viewed. As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for making this a more useful tool.

Three articles on audit topics

Mike.Blakley — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 03:18:51 +0000

Today I have posted three “how to” articles which describe tools and techniques for automating audits such as fixed assets, procurement fraud and insurance claims. The articles have accompanying data which can be downloaded.

There is also a new version of software for the desktop, compatible with Excel, which is available at no cost. I welcome any suggestions for additional commands to implement (they should be of general interest, please).

Establishment of “Auditor’s Corner”

Mike.Blakley — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 01:42:46 +0000

I have established a web page devoted to sharing articles and ideas on IT auditing. Part of it consists of tutorial modules as shown below. Some are VBA classes for use within Excel, others pertain to use of the XL Audit Commander.

Module	Description	Approx Length	With Quiz?	Last Update
General Audit Topics
Module-1	Obtaining Basic Population Statistics	15 minutes	Yes	06-22-2007
Module-2	Audit uses for Benford’s Law	15 minutes	Yes	06-22-2007
Module-3	Use of histograms in audits	15 minutes	Yes	06-23-2007
Module-4	SQLite as an Audit Tool	30 min	No	06-29-07
Module	Description	Approx Length	With Quiz?	Last Update
Module-5	Beyond the COUNTIF and SUMIF functions	20 min	No	06-25-07
Module-6	A work-around for very large files	20 min	No	06-29-07
Module-7	Identifying duplicates and gaps in large files	20 min	No	06-29-07
Module-8	Sizing up the population - Going to Extremes	20 min	No	06-29-07

A more efficient way to perform audit procedures from within Excel

Mike.Blakley — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:30:47 +0000

XL Audit Commander provides a variety of audit tools which can be run from within Excel, all at no cost. An operation guide explains the commands available and the procedures to perform them.The software uses a very minimal portion of your spreadsheet area and can easily be invoked only when needed by pressing Control-E. Download the software to try. Also included is the capability to perform a variety of data extracts for audit tests, and examples are included in a sample workbook for download.

These include such tests as searching for close matches on names, data extraction using conditions, etc. More details.

Fairly simple procedure to create Benford’s Law charts

Mike.Blakley — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:59:02 +0000

I have received a number of requests for the ability to create charts which show the results of tests of Benford’s law and can be downloaded and included in other documents, such as Word® or Powerpoint®. I have added such capability in the server routines (Main|Benford’s Law). As an option, an output file name can be specified for the chart desired. The resulting chart will then be available for view or download from the URL http://ezrstats.org/chart/FILENAME.PNG where FILENAME.PNG was the name specified for the output. An example of the charts is available for view. Use of the server and routines is available at no charge. I have had quite a number of visitors from both educational institutions as well as government agencies.