How do you create a business dashboard?

Efficiency question :

To address the question “How do you create a business dashboard”, start by defining the desired outcome and understanding the current process. The best solution is not necessarily the one that uses the most technology; it is the one that reduces manual handling, clarifies responsibilities and produces a reliable result with the least possible friction.

An effective approach is to:

·         Start by defining the decision or report the data must support.

·         Identify the official sources and the person responsible for each important data element.

·         Standardize formats, definitions and calculation rules before automating.

·         Create a repeatable process for collecting, cleaning and validating data.

·         Put simple controls in place to detect anomalies quickly.

Key issues:

The key issue is trust. A fast report has no value if users question the numbers. Definitions, sources and transformation rules must be clear enough for different people to reach the same result.

Challenges:

Data often comes from sources that do not use the same names, formats or definitions. Duplicates, missing values and structural changes can undermine the result. Validation must therefore be part of the process, not something added at the end.

Technology:

Depending on the context, tools to consider may include Excel, Power Query, Power Pivot, Power BI, databases and connectors to source systems. The choice depends on factors such as data volume, number of users, access rights, update frequency, existing systems and the desired level of automation. Technology should be selected after the process and expected results have been clarified, not the other way around.

Developer's advice:

Before building the final result, choose a few controls that will allow you to demonstrate that the data is complete and consistent. Trust is easier to build when validation is visible.