Lesson Outcomes
After completing this practical lesson, learners will be able to:
- Explain dashboards and their purpose
- Create dashboards using spreadsheet tools
- Display key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Use charts, tables, and slicers in dashboards
- Edit and update dashboards
- Present business information visually
Overview
Dashboards are interactive visual reporting tools used to present business information, trends, and performance indicators clearly and efficiently. Businesses and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) environments use dashboards to support monitoring, reporting, and decision-making activities.
This practical lesson introduces learners to dashboard creation, KPI reporting, chart integration, filtering, slicers, and dashboard editing within spreadsheet environments. Learners will complete practical activities involving sales and operational performance reporting using dashboard tools.
Scenario: Business Performance Dashboard
A business organisation requires a dashboard that displays monthly sales performance, customer activity, product performance, and operational trends.
Learners are required to create an interactive dashboard that allows management to analyse performance information visually and efficiently.
PA0401 — Create a Dashboard Structure
Tools/Resources
- PC or laptop
- Spreadsheet software
- Business dataset
Activity Instructions
- Open the provided dataset.
- Create a new dashboard worksheet.
- Organise the dashboard layout.
- Define dashboard sections for charts, KPIs, and summaries.
- Save the workbook.
Expected Outcome
A structured dashboard layout is created successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of dashboard layout
- Screenshot of organised worksheet
- Screenshot of dashboard sections
PA0402 — Add Charts and KPI Indicators
Tools/Resources
- Spreadsheet software
- Chart tools
- Dataset summaries
Activity Instructions
- Create charts using business data.
- Add KPI indicators such as totals, averages, or percentages.
- Insert visual reporting components into the dashboard.
- Verify data accuracy.
Expected Outcome
Charts and KPI indicators are displayed correctly on the dashboard.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of dashboard charts
- Screenshot of KPI indicators
- Screenshot of completed dashboard visuals
PA0403 — Add Interactive Dashboard Features
Tools/Resources
- Spreadsheet software
- Slicer and filter tools
- Pivot tables or charts
Activity Instructions
- Add filters or slicers to the dashboard.
- Connect slicers to charts or pivot tables.
- Test interactive dashboard controls.
- Verify filtered outputs.
Expected Outcome
Interactive dashboard controls function correctly.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of slicers or filters
- Screenshot of filtered dashboard outputs
- Screenshot of interactive dashboard features
PA0404 — Edit and Update Dashboard Information
Tools/Resources
- Spreadsheet software
- Dataset updates
- Dashboard tools
Activity Instructions
- Modify dashboard charts or KPI values.
- Refresh dashboard data after updates.
- Edit formatting and layout where necessary.
- Verify updated dashboard outputs.
Expected Outcome
Dashboard information is updated and edited successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of edited dashboard
- Screenshot of refreshed dashboard data
- Screenshot of updated outputs
Key Notes
- Dashboards present business information visually.
- KPIs support performance monitoring.
- Charts improve data interpretation.
- Interactive controls improve usability.
- Dashboards support business reporting and decision-making.
- Updated dashboards improve reporting accuracy.