Preparing your data before a dashboard project

In a dashboard project, much of the work happens before the charts: finding the right sources, getting access and fixing inconsistencies. A few checks done in advance make the project more predictable.

1. Inventory your sources

List the systems and files that hold the information: accounting software, management system, CRM, Excel files, exports. For each source, note the owner, the update frequency and the available access method: direct connection, export or shared file.

2. Confirm access

A connection often requires an account, an authorization or a licence. Check who can grant access, whether a dedicated account is possible and which data may leave the system. Limit personal information to what is necessary, in line with applicable privacy laws such as Quebec’s Law 25.

3. Check quality on a sample

• Duplicates: customers or products recorded twice.
• Inconsistent codes: product lines, regions or departments named differently.
• Missing values: dates, amounts or categories.
• Periods that do not match from one source to another.

A sample of a few months is often enough to spot issues. Fix them at the source when possible, rather than in each report.

4. Write down the business rules

How should products be grouped? Which date counts for a sale? How should a return or credit be handled? These rules feed each indicator’s definition and prevent debates after launch.

5. Name the owners

One person validates definitions; another monitors refreshes and flags source errors. Without owners, a dashboard quickly loses its users’ trust.

Your first step

Complete the source inventory for a single report you prepare manually today. It is often the best starting point for a first dashboard.

To see the steps of an engagement, visit Dashboards and data analysis or the project examples.