Tools that allow us to analyse and understand large volumes of data are essential in an increasingly digitalised world. A dashboard is presented as a visual solution to centralise key information , facilitating decision-making in various business areas and speeding up smarter decisions, as they are based on real-time information and not on assumptions or hunches. We show you everything you need to know about what a dashboard is and how to benefit from its use!
The concept of dashboard and its importance
The dashboard, also known as an information panel , is not simply an accumulation of data. It is defined as a graphical representation designed specifically to reveal insights and trends, making it an essential strategic tool for modern organizations that should know how to create and, more importantly, how to optimize and exploit.
What is a dashboard? Definition and characteristics
A dashboard is a concise, graphical representation of data that allows you to monitor and analyze the performance and efficiency of different aspects of a business.
Key features of a dashboard include:
KPI Centralization: Group key performance indicators in one place.
Data visualization: Use charts, tables, and other visuals to present info jamaica business email list rmation in a clear and engaging way.
User-friendly interface: Designed to be intuitive and easy to understand.
Real-time update: Data is continuously updated to reflect current changes and trends.
The meaning and translation of dashboard
The meaning of dashboard in English originally referred to the board that protected drivers of horse-drawn carriages from the mud thrown up by the wheels. In the modern context, it relates to the dashboard or panel of a vehicle that displays relevant information. It is from here that the meaning of digital dashboard has been extrapolated, since this tool shows essential data and metrics in a single consolidated view, exactly the same as car dashboards do.
How to create a dashboard in Excel
Excel , Microsoft's powerful spreadsheet tool, is widely used in the business and academic world. However, although it is known for its calculation and data organization functions, it also allows you to create interactive dashboards to visualize and analyze information in an effective and structured way.
Step by step: how to make a dashboard in Excel
If you've come this far looking for how to make a dashboard in Excel , we have two pieces of great news for you: it's possible, and it's also very easy if you follow the right steps. With a systematic approach and careful planning, transforming a regular spreadsheet into a visually appealing and functional dashboard is easy, here are the main points to keep in mind:
Defining objectives: Before you begin, define the purpose of the dashboard. What information do you want to display? What questions should the dashboard answer?
Data collection: Make sure you have all the necessary data. Import or enter the data into Excel, organizing it in a logical and coherent way.
Preliminary design : Think about the layout of your charts and tables. Decide what type of charts (bar, line, pie chart) will be most effective in representing your data.
Creating Charts: Use Excel's charting tools to create visualizations from your data. This will allow you to customize colors, titles, and axes to make them clear and understandable.
Interactive tools integration: Add controls such as slicers or scroll bars to allow users to interact with the dashboard.
Formatting and styling: Apply conditional formatting, use consistent colors, and choose legible fonts to make your dashboard aesthetically pleasing and easy to interpret.
Review and Testing: Before sharing, be sure to test your dashboard. Check the accuracy of the data, the functionality of the interactive tools, and the clarity of the visualizations.
By following these steps, you can create a dashboard in Excel that is not only visually impressive, but also a valuable tool for decision making.
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The best tools to create dashboards
Having quality data visualization tools is essential to be able to understand and analyze information quickly. There are various platforms that allow you to create dashboards efficiently, adapted to different needs, and below we will break down some of the most commonly used ones.
Introduction to Power BI for dashboards, the best software
power bi dashboard
Power BI , developed by Microsoft, is one of the leading tools for creating interactive dashboards and data visualizations. It offers a wide variety of functionalities, from setting visual themes to incorporating real-time data sets . Thanks to its intuitive interface and ability to integrate with other applications, Power BI has become the essential ally for analysts and companies looking to make informed decisions.
Meet Meraki Dashboard: the solution for networks and security
