Excel report layouts are a powerful feature that leverage the robust capabilities of Excel workbooks (.xlsx files) to create detailed and dynamic reports. These layouts utilize familiar Excel functionalities such as formulas, PivotTables, and PivotCharts, allowing users to summarize, analyze, and present data in a comprehensive and visually appealing manner. With Excel report layouts, you can transform raw data into meaningful insights, tailor your reports to specific business needs, and enhance the decision-making process with ease.
Key Features of Excel Report Layouts
Excel Report Layouts offer numerous benefits:
No Code Required: If the dataset already exists, you don't need code to create the layout of your dreams.
Built-in Functionality: This is out-of-the-box functionality in Business Central, no customizations or third-party tools needed.
User Autonomy: End users can build their own reports and make decisions on layouts, fostering collaboration and autonomy.
Familiarity of Excel: Most users are already familiar with Excel, making it a comfortable and powerful tool for report creation.
Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Utilize Power Automate for workflow automation, store and share files via OneDrive, and enhance data connectivity with PowerQuery.
Benefits of Using Excel Report Layouts
Familiarity and Productivity
Excel is a platform many of us have used since the beginning of our careers. Its' seamless integration with other Microsoft products enhances productivity. For example, PowerQuery allows you to bring external data into Excel effortlessly, whether pulling data from SQL, accessing CRM records, or syncing with SharePoint lists.
Visualization Tools
Excel’s visualization tools, such as Pivot Tables, Charts, and Graphs, transform raw data into actionable insights. Pivot Tables offer interactive analysis, while charts depict trends, comparisons, and progressions, making complex data accessible at a glance.
Advanced Features
Excel's features like Comments and Notes for collaboration, Forecast Sheets for predictive insights, and 'What if' Analysis for scenario planning boost productivity. Ensure data integrity and confidentiality with features like Protecting Worksheets and Sensitivity Labels.
Getting Started on Your Excel Report
Demo: Creating Your First Report
Identify the Report Number: Knowing the report number is essential. Utilize the Page Inspection to help you find out your report number. I like using Ctrl+Alt+F1 to open the Page Inspection.
Building Your Layout: In Excel, layout is everything. Select the right template or create a custom layout that resonates with your business needs.
Utilize Multiple Tabs: Organize data logically by using multiple tabs for different data views.
Integrate Tables, Pivots, and Charts: These elements transform raw data into actionable insights.
Get Creative with Slicers: Slicers make reports interactive and user-friendly.
Leverage Built-in Excel Features: Use conditional formatting, advanced formulas, and Power Query to build comprehensive reports.
Finalizing Your Report
Consider design elements like themes, printer-friendly formats, explanatory sections, dashboards for high-level overviews, and ease of use for non-technical users.
Upload and Generate
Return to Report Layouts, create the new version, import the files, and test the layout to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Excel Report Layouts in Business Central are a powerful tool for empowering decision-making within your organization. By leveraging the familiarity and advanced features of Excel, you can create dynamic, user-friendly reports that enhance productivity and drive informed business decisions.
Hi Michelle, I really enjoy your blog here and find your format as well as topics easy to understand and use. The above about Excel Report Layouts though seems to miss some steps in the "Getting started" part?
I am missing the step by step approach with pictures just like in your other posts... Please if possible add the missing parts of the demo to show a full step by step approach, Thank You!