I understand the decision though, because investing in a IT system is so friggin expensive, require 10x more people and there is a huge lack of talent to deliver something on time, that works, and actually saves money.
In the past, the organisation has probably tried (maybe even several times) to replace the Excel mess with an IT system, only to receive something that costs them a lot of money and solves the wrong problem..
I guess the solution is to have an intermediary that can be the in-between, but don't have them be from the IT systems supplier, because they'll bone you (including promising you everything you want without checking with their developers if any of it is possible; with a good 3rd party they'd be able to ask the devs if it's possible and to see a proof-of-concept).
Excel allows managers/staff to iterate/change/adapt faster and independently while changing anything about an automated system requires much effort (in communication, in validation, in budget)
Or ever.