Becomes unwieldy with multiple lookup tables. Data is separate from programs, so changing one does not affect the other. Security is built-in and very flexible. Security is either on or off for everyone, and only on certain cells. Flexibility in searching and displaying data, even from multiple sources.
Program code is in one place for easy maintenance.
Formula changes must be copied to all cells in all similar spreadsheet files. Only one person can change data in a file at a time. Files are easily corrupted, but a built-in repair option is included. Files are easily corrupted. Third-party repair programs must be purchased.