Houston by Praxis Lab
Know what changed in the spreadsheets your business depends on.
Houston tracks successive versions of important working files, shows you what changed and directs your attention to what needs checking—without replacing the spreadsheet.
Now accepting three founding businesses for a supported three-month programme.
The spreadsheet may be working perfectly well.
The difficulty begins when a new version arrives.
A date moves, a quantity changes, a line disappears or a project status is revised. The change may matter, but somebody first has to notice it.
One change, brought forward.
The date changed between two versions of the same working file. Houston keeps the previous value, latest value and review state together.
Promise date: 1 August → 29 August
Houston retains both source values and brings the 28-day movement forward for review.
Keep the file. Add control.
- 01
Bring the file you already use
Start with the spreadsheet already used by your team. Houston does not require an immediate migration into a new operational system.
- 02
Upload the next version
Houston matches the records and identifies additions, removals and changed values.
- 03
Review what needs attention
Filter the version review, inspect the evidence and decide what action should follow.
The Track workflow
Configure the file, upload the next version, review the changes and inspect the source evidence.
Changes Houston can reveal.
- Rows added.
- Rows removed.
- Values changed.
- Previously empty fields populated.
- Existing values cleared.
- Columns added or removed.
- Duplicate or invalid identities.
- Records that cannot be matched confidently.
- Evidence from the original file versions.
Different spreadsheets. The same control problem.
Houston is not limited to one industry or one type of spreadsheet. If a working file arrives in successive versions, Houston can help make the movement between those versions visible.
- Supplier delivery schedules.
- Price lists.
- Project trackers.
- Production lists.
- Order books.
- Stock or availability files.
- Other recurring operational spreadsheets.
Evidence for human review.
Houston brings changes and uncertain matches forward for review. It keeps the changed value and its source evidence together so that the person who understands the operational context can decide what follows.
Your files remain your files.
Read how Houston handles data- Customers retain ownership of their files.
- Original versions are not silently edited.
- Praxis only inspects files when access has been agreed.
- Optional product-learning access must be explicit.
- Private use remains available.
- Customers can request deletion of their data.
Questions, answered carefully.
Do I need to change my spreadsheet?
Not necessarily. Houston starts with the files your team already uses. Some setup may be needed so that records and important fields can be identified reliably.
Which spreadsheet formats are supported?
Standard Excel and CSV files are the intended starting point. Confirm any unusual format with Praxis during onboarding.
What happens when a spreadsheet’s structure changes?
Changed or missing columns, duplicate identities and uncertain matches are made visible for review rather than quietly ignored.
Does Houston decide whether a change is a problem?
No. Houston directs attention to the evidence. The operational decision remains with the people who understand the context.
How are founding users selected?
Praxis will assess whether your recurring spreadsheet, review process and intended use are a suitable fit for Houston. Applying does not imply automatic acceptance.
Is my data private?
Private use remains available. Praxis only inspects customer files when access has been agreed, and optional product-learning access must be explicit.
Use Houston free for three months
Houston is opening to three founding businesses.
Each business will receive three months of free access and direct support from Praxis Lab to use Houston with a real recurring spreadsheet.
In return, founding users agree to use the product regularly, share candid feedback and help identify where Houston provides the most operational value.
Houston is expected to cost from £100 per month after the founding period. Joining the programme does not commit you to continuing.
The programme is a good fit if:
- You have an important spreadsheet that is updated, replaced or received repeatedly.
- You need to understand what changed between versions.
- Some changes require somebody to review, confirm or act.
- You are willing to use Houston regularly and provide honest feedback about what is useful, unclear or missing.
What participation involves
We will agree one initial spreadsheet use case and help you set it up in Houston.
During the three-month period, you will use Houston with real file versions and take part in occasional feedback conversations with Praxis Lab.
At the end of the programme, you can stop using Houston or discuss continuing as a paying customer. There is no obligation to continue.
Bring the next version of an important spreadsheet.
Houston is available to a small number of founding users who want to make spreadsheet changes easier to see, review and control.
Tell us about the file you work with and what happens when a new version arrives.