Top Excel Add-Ins to Enhance Dashboard Design

Introduction

Excel is the most popular spreadsheet program used in the business world. It is easy to use and implement, yet remains one of the most powerful tools out there. It's flexibility and range of features make it a great resource for any number of tasks. But did you know that you can extend its functionality with Add-Ins? These Add-Ins can help you to create even more complex and professional reports, such as dashboards. In this blog post, we will discuss the top Excel Add-Ins for Dashboard Design.

2. XLCubed

XLCubed is one of the top Excel Add-Ins for enhancing dashboard design. It offers powerful features for data analysis and presentation, as well as other features that streamline the creation and maintenance of complex dashboards.

A. Advanced data analysis and presentation features

XLCubed allows users to quickly and effectively analyze and present data in the form of ready-to-use dashboards. XLCubed offers a variety of analysis and data presentation tools, such as slicers, dynamic charts, mapping, and more. XLCubed can also query, sort, filter, and consolidate data easily. It is also possible to customize data views and build custom reports with XLCubed.

B. Enables easy interlinking of multiple workbooks

XLCubed simplifies linking and managing multiple Excel workbooks. It is possible to set up a ‘Ribbon Linker’ to quickly and easily link workbooks, as well as an AutoSave function which ensures that changes are consolidated and kept in sync across the entire dashboard. This makes it easier to work with complex dashboards that involve multiple workbooks.

C. Automated data refreshes make changes to dashboards simple

Using XLCubed it is possible to automate data refreshes, which makes it easy to make changes to dashboards without having to manually refresh data. This eliminates the need to manually update data across the dashboard, which can save a lot of time and effort when making changes.

Visio Solutions

One of the most integral tools that Excel add-ins can offer dashboards is a Visio solution. Visio is an incredibly useful tool for turning spreadsheets and data into visual, comprehensible diagrams.

Ready-made templates

One of the best aspects of Visio solutions for Excel add-ins is the multitude of ready-made templates available. With a well-designed template, you can create a professional-looking diagram with minimal fuss. From flowcharts to organizational charts to timelines, the templates make creating diagrams a breeze.

Preset objects

Visio also provides you with hundreds of preset objects to choose from. This gives you the ability to customize your diagram and make it look exactly like you want it to. You can customize backgrounds, line colors, and fonts to match your company's brand, making your dashboard even more attractive and professional.

Multiple shapes, stencils, and icons

In addition to a wide variety of preset objects, Visio solutions for Excel add-ins also give you access to multiple shapes, stencils, and icons. This allows you to represent your data in a variety of ways, making it easier for people to interpret and understand. You can also choose from a wide range of colors to make sure your dashboard stands out from the crowd.

PowerPivot Add-In

PowerPivot is an Excel add-in used to enable fast calculation of large amounts of data. It is capable of loading millions of rows in a matter of seconds, which is extremely helpful for designing dashboards where data must be gathered and put into an organized structure quickly. The tool also supports data from a variety of sources, making it useful when multiple sources of data must be pulled into a single dashboard.

In addition to quickly processing large amounts of data, PowerPivot allows users to inject custom code for complex calculations that may be necessary for dashboard use. This allows users to create detailed dashboards that rely on complex calculations, which typically cannot be done by standard Excel functions.

Using PowerPivot allows users to quickly crunch huge amounts of data, even from multiple sources, and create sophisticated dashboards with complex calculations. This makes it an ideal tool for anyone looking to efficiently design robust dashboard visualizations.

Microsoft Analytics Platform System (APS)

Microsoft APS is a comprehensive system that combines Excel and the data warehouse. It provides businesses with cloud replication capabilities along with Azure, granting them the ability to gain extra control and security over their data. The platform also offers unparalleled performance and allows businesses to benefit from using the platform throughout the process of business analytics.

Combines Excel and the Data Warehouse

The Microsoft APS is a system that allows businesses to combine Excel and a data warehouse. Doing so offers businesses many benefits as it allows them to gain complete control over the data they are dealing with. Additionally, it also offers businesses the advantage of having access to greater insight into the data, enabling deeper analysis. This helps businesses be more productive and efficient in the way they manage their data.

Cloud Replication Capabilities with Azure

With the Microsoft APS system, businesses can make use of cloud replication capabilities through Azure. This allows them to benefit from the advantages offered by cloud computing and take advantage of the additional storage, computing power, and scalability provided by the cloud. Additionally, the replication capabilities also help businesses to reliably replicate and store their data on the cloud, allowing them to easily access it when needed.

Extra Security and Performance Control

The Microsoft Analytics Platform system also offers businesses extra security and performance control over their data. It makes use of advanced encryption protocols which make it nearly impossible for data to be stolen. It also enables businesses to have complete control of their data, allowing them to tweak the performance or security features of the data as needed. This extra control ensures that businesses are able to get the most out of the data they are working with.

6. SQL Spreads

SQL Spreads is a powerful Excel Add-In that has a set of unique features that traditional Excel spreadsheets don't possess. It makes spreadsheet design easier and more efficient for users who need to connect their spreadsheet to an external database.

A. Loaded with unique features normal Excel spreadsheet don’t possess

SQL Spreads add-in offers an extensive suite of features to make spreadsheet management more efficient. It enables users to set up columns with lookup tables, provide auto-complete box suggestions, and easily associate spreadsheet data with external SQL databases. It also allows users to hide and protect confidential data by obscuring cells with simple click-and-drag menus, easily perform complex calculations, and even resample imported outside data. As a result, users can create effective and dynamic spreadsheets without having to manually input and process large amounts of data that could typically result in hours of work.

B. Connects with external databases with easy setup

Users can create a connection to an external SQL database more easily in less time with SQL Spreads. This add-in offers a convenient GUI menu for connection setup, allowing users to instantly connect a spreadsheet to the corresponding database with just a few clicks. It also provides SQL syntax auto-complete functionality, allowing users to write queries quickly and seamlessly. Increased speed and accuracy when connecting to external databases helps users save time and effort, avoiding tedious manual labor.

C. Automatically updates saved data to the database with modifications

SQL Spreads makes it easy for users to update their data in the external database when needed. With the integration of this add-in, users can automatically update their saved data with modifications when the corresponding spreadsheet is saved. This ensures that the data stays up-to-date and the external databases always reflect the latest changes in the spreadsheet. With the help of SQL Spreads, users can ensure their external databases are consistently accurate in real-time.

Conclusion

Excel Add-Ins can be invaluable when it comes to designing an effective dashboard. They allow users to customize the look and layout of their dashboards, and to quickly access a wealth of features not available in the basic Excel program. From eye-catching visuals to easy-to-use navigation tools, Excel Add-Ins can help users build a dashboard that provides an extensive amount of useful information about their data.

The list discussed above is just a handful of the top Excel Add-Ins to enhance dashboard design. Each Add-in offers its own unique features, so it is important to research each one to determine which is best suited to the user's needs. With the right Add-In, users can create professional-looking dashboards that can be shared, saved, and edited with ease.