Microsoft Excel

This will require Data Admin privileges to setup and Builder for implementation.

iDashboards can utilize Microsoft Excel files using two different methods. The first is by by navigating to iDashboards Admin or the Data Hub to manually upload them. Builders with Imported File Upload Enabled privledges will also be able to utilize thse uploading options.

The other method is to use the iDashboads Auto-Uploader, which allows for direct uploading of Excel files from a client machine to an iDashboards server without requiring the user to log into iDashboards Application. It works by uploading a copy of your Excel file to the iDashboards server and inserts it into your workbook database. This can be done manually or you can schedule them, which only requires Builder privileges.

Excel Named Ranges
iDashboards requires that at least one named range be defined in your Excel file before it may be used as a data source. A named range in an Excel file is viewed by iDashboards similarly to how it views a table in a database. To create a named range in your Excel file, highlight the data that you wish to be used in iDashboards and type a name in the Name Box which will then create your named range through the Name Manager.

Once you have created your named range, make sure to Save (CTRL+S) your file. You can modify and add additional named ranges under Formulas by using the Name Manager. For more on creating a named range, check out the videos available at: How to Create a Named Range

Excel Data Configuration

Follow the steps below to set up a data source in iDashboards Admin or Data Hub.

1. Log into iDashboards Admin or the Data Hub
2. Click on Imported Data
3. Then, select Excel Data
   
   • A new window will appear stating:
     • The workbook database must be completely configured and initialized before workbooks can be imported.   
4. Click OK
5. Click Edit Configuration
6. Fill out all highlighted sections below of the Configure Workbook Database window              it will look similar to the following:
7. Click Save

Creating a Data Source

The steps below assume that you have already completed the configuration process that connects iDashboards to the Excel Workbooks Database. If you have not already completed this process, you will be presented with a configuration screen instead of the Upload Files button. You will of course also have to have a valid Named Range associated with the Excel file before you will be able to upload it.

1. Log on to your iDashboards Admin or Data Hub
2. Click on Imported Data
3. Then, select Excel Data
4. Click Upload Files
   • In the new Upload Files window, browse to the necessary Excel file and click Open. You can select multiple Excel files to upload at the same time if needed.
5. Click Upload
   • The application will process for a moment and then refresh the window.
6. Click Close
7. You will now see the uploaded file in the Excel Data along with your other uploaded Excel files.
8. 
9. If your are updating an excel file, you will go through the same process except below you will be able to see how many Charts/Picklist/Data Sets are linked to it.
10. 

Feel free to download our Chart Examples Dashboard Pack for 25 pre-built dashboards.

For More Information:

• Creating a Database URL (Connection String)
• Microsoft Excel Documentation
• iDashboards Admin Manual 10. Managing Data Sources
• iDashboards Admin Manual 11. Excel Data Sources

If the above is unable to resolve the issue, then please contact TruOI Support for further assistance.