Is anybody finding Excel reporting tedious?

[Sash0598]

Hi everyone! So I've been using Excel for some interesting reports and analytics:
- Monthly usage
- Sales and pricing tracking
- Quarterly updates

But I haven't figured out a way to have the data and charts update live. What are some problems you all face on Excel when dashboarding and reporting? I ask because I would like to spend some time improving my efficiency on Excel with your help!

Happy to chat through it.

Cheers

 

[SpillerBD]

Usually the 'big' problem is the source data.
PowerQuery can compile and handle the ETL easily. And usually everything should go into a PivotTable (or multiple.)
So tedious is not the case except for the exports from the source system/database. Its super easy when one of the connectors works (is allowed to work) and it really is just refresh (on open!)

 

[etaf]

i used to use an ODBC connection to a summary database and had pivot tables linked for the managers and they just opened the excel file and refreshed and had all the information on the dashboard and some exceptions listing - that was in 1995/7 , and working for DEC for all the UK Service data which was large

I have a mac now and long retired - so i would have thought the report was much easier these days - also not used power query , as not sure if available on 365 for OSX/Mac

 

[Jim Gordon]

PowerQuery is available for most users who have current unrestricted subscriptions. Educational institutions and some businesses restrict features, so if you have a special license, you might not have PowerQuery.

ODBC still works the same as always. Mac OS does not include ODBC drivers, so you have to purchase them separately. Two companies sell ODBC drivers: ActualTechnologies and OpenLink Software.