Not much to add to all that has already been written - but yes Excel was used to compile reports -- certain zealous elders who obeyed the Society directive completely NOT to use computers would compile by hand -- most I know disobeyed and stored on a floppy disk not on hard drive. Each publisher listed alphabetically under book study with hours, mags, books, brochures, RVs then subtotalled -- then Pioneers and Aux pioneers done seperately. Also book study attendance done on spreadsheet. Finally all totalled and sent to society by 6th of month -- I personally never worried if I was a day or two late -- and society or CO never complained. Finally all data transferred to publisher record cards and meeting attendance record cards.
If publisher did not report a few months then decided to put in a report for all the misssing months it would screw the figures but spreadsheet could accomodate - usually all secetaries made specail effort in August so that year ends would be complete which is waht everyone sees in yearbook and January 1st Watchtower. COs only view record cards -- not a computer sheet -- which most elders would eny having anyway as not allowed by society