Direct answer: build an Excel dashboard by preparing a clean data table, creating pivot summaries, placing KPI cards and pivot charts on one sheet, and connecting slicers so everything filters together.
1. Decide the questions
List three: how are we doing vs target, where is the gap, what changed? Everything else is optional.
2. Prepare the data
Convert to a Table. If files change monthly, load through Power Query.
3. Create pivots
One pivot per chart on a hidden Calc sheet. Pivot guide.
4. KPI cards
Use formulas such as GETPIVOTDATA or SUMIFS in large cells, with the comparison base and period stated.
5. Slicers
Insert slicers for Region and Month, then Report Connections to link all pivots.
6. Layout
KPIs top, trend chart middle, breakdown bottom; consistent colours; no 3D charts.
Common mistakes
- Too many charts
- Unlabelled KPIs
- Forgetting to refresh before sending
Conclusion
Excel dashboards suit small to medium data. For larger models see Power BI dashboards, or take the Excel dashboard course.