Automating Reports with

Advanced Excel Tricks

Presented by:Mark Baker – Assoc. Registrar

Whitworth University

NWDUG 2012

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Want to increase your efficiency?

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Two Common Scenarios

1) Repetitive formatting steps

2) Recreating calculations & charts

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Repetitive Formatting Steps

Open text file

Separate columns

Fit column widths

Format header row

Conditional formatting More…

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Recreating Calculations & Charts

Data from Query

Pivot Table and Chart based on Data

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

The Solution

1) Recorded Macros

2) Referenced Data Sheets

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Recorded Macros

Then we’ll record one

Enroll_Sched Macro

Let’s watch it

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Info about Macros

• Record in Personal.xlsx

• Every action is recorded

• Can be edited later

• Must unhide Personal.xlsx to edit

• Powerful…be careful

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Referenced Data Sheets

Then we’ll create one

Pivot Chart.xlsx

Let’s see it

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Info about Referenced Data Sheets

• Create data & working workbooks

• Reference other workbook (or sheet)

• Example formula ='C:\NWDUG\Pivot Chart\[Pivot Chart Data.xlsx]Sheet1'!A2

• Include extra rows

• Name datasheet consistently

• Add calculations, formatting, pivot tables, charts

• Data will refresh, pivot will not

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Putting It All Together – Utilization Report

Using macros and data sheets together!

Utilization Report Example

2012NWDUG

Automating Reports

Questions?

Automating Reports with Advanced Excel Tricks