Project Summary: Excel Data Dashboard & Reporting System
Objective
To design and implement an active Excel file that serves as a central hub for ongoing data collection, organization, and analysis. The file will be structured to answer specific business questions dynamically and display results in an interactive dashboard. This will allow for streamlined reporting, quick insights, and long-term usability without reliance on external platforms.
Scope of Work
Data Structure & File Setup
Establish data tables for raw inputs (ongoing data entry or imports).
Define naming conventions and organizational folders for consistency.
Build division of labor guidelines for contributors (who enters, reviews, and manages data).
Automation & Maintenance
Implement formulas, pivot tables, and Power Query to clean and transform raw data.
Create automated refresh processes for recurring data sources.
Identify areas where manual upkeep will be required and assign responsibilities.
Dashboard & Visualization
Develop an Excel dashboard with charts, key metrics, and filterable views.
Use Power Pivot or Power BI (Excel-integrated) for advanced visualizations if needed.
Ensure outputs are organized by business questions (e.g., performance over time, cost breakdowns, efficiency metrics).
Question-to-Answer Framework
Map out a list of anticipated questions (e.g., “What is monthly ROI?”, “How are costs trending by category?”).
Link each question to a data model or visualization.
Standardize how new questions get added to the system for future flexibility.
Workflow & Division of Labor
Front-End Owner (You): Define key questions, structure of dashboards, and initial file setup.
Data Contributors: Enter and maintain raw data according to agreed-upon formats.
Analyst/Administrator: Maintain Power Query connections, update formulas, troubleshoot errors.
End Users (Stakeholders): Interact with dashboards, extract insights, and raise requests for new views.
Ongoing Maintenance
Monthly/quarterly file review to ensure formulas, queries, and dashboards remain accurate.
Version control system (archived copies or SharePoint/OneDrive setup).
Regular check-ins to refine dashboards as business needs evolve.
Technology Notes
Since you’re familiar with Looker Studio, you’ll find Excel’s Power Query and Power Pivot to be the closest equivalents. They allow:
Connecting to multiple data sources (CSV, databases, APIs, etc.).
Transforming data automatically on refresh.
Building interactive dashboards with slicers and dynamic pivot charts.
For scalability, consider Power BI later, which integrates seamlessly with Excel.
✅ Deliverable: A single Excel file with structured data tables, automated refreshes where possible, and a dynamic dashboard designed around your business questions.
✅ Outcome: A self-sustaining tool that provides quick answers, reduces manual reporting time, and adapts to new data inputs over time.
