> factories run on excel...terrifyingly so

Chemical plants too. But that does not mean there is no code.

An Excel document can be programmed with VBA to make connections to network resources, read/write files, send emails, etc.

I might not be the most effective tool for every task but it's everywhere and allows workers to automate work without making a request to hire a developer or buy new software. Someone can gradually automate business tasks on their own initiative rather than go through multiple layers of corporate bureaucracy.