Less repetition
Spend less time rebuilding.
Reduce the copying, pasting and repeated calculations that go into the same weekly or monthly report. How much can be automated depends on where your information comes from.
Why use Power BI?
Your reports.
Easier to use.
Power BI is Microsoft’s reporting tool. It turns information you already keep in spreadsheets or business systems into clear, interactive reports, so you can see how things are going without piecing the answer together yourself.
Open a report, choose a week, customer or location, and see the figures that matter to you. The aim is simple: less time preparing the numbers and more time using them.
An everyday reporting exampleThis week
Weekly sales overview
- Sales this week
- £48,200
- Orders
- 126
What changes for your team
Useful reports, with less of the usual effort.
A good report should look clear, answer the right questions and fit into the way you work.
Clearer answers
Find what you need.
See the overall picture, then narrow it down by date, team, site or customer. Answer a follow-up question without asking someone to create another spreadsheet.
A shared view
Use the same definitions.
Agree what the key figures mean and give the right people access to a consistent report, with fewer versions being passed around by email.
Easy to read
Make the numbers approachable.
Clear layouts, sensible charts and your own branding help people spot what matters. A report should be comfortable to use in a meeting or during a busy working day.
Is it right for you?
Start with the reporting problem.
The right tool is the one that makes your work easier. You do not need a large business or a large project to benefit.
Worth a conversation
Power BI could help if…
- You produce the same report every week or month.
- Preparing it takes more time than understanding it.
- You combine several files to see how the business is doing.
- People regularly ask to see the figures by site, customer or period.
- You want a clearer report that several people can use.
Keep it simple
A spreadsheet may be enough if…
- Your current report is quick, clear and reliable.
- You mainly need to enter figures, make calculations or try out ideas.
- It is a one-off question rather than an ongoing reporting need.
- Your existing business system already gives you the answers you need.
If a small improvement to what you already use would solve the problem, that may be the better starting point.
Common questions
The things you probably want to know.
No technical background needed. Open a question for a short answer.
Do we have to stop using Excel?
No. Excel can still be useful for keeping records, entering figures and working things out. Power BI can use that information to give you a more convenient reporting view. We start with what already works.
Will the figures update automatically?
Often, once the right connections and schedule are in place. If your system only provides a downloaded file, someone may still need to export it or put it in an agreed folder. We explain what will update automatically and what still needs a person before the build.
Will I need to learn how to build reports?
No. Everyday use usually means opening the report, choosing a period or using a filter. We build it around the people using it and include a walkthrough so your team knows where to find the answers.
Can the rest of the team use it?
Yes, with suitable access and Microsoft licensing. Reports can be shared with authorised people through a web browser or the Power BI app. We agree who needs to see what and explain any licence costs before you commit.
Can I look at it on my phone?
Yes. Power BI has mobile apps, and a report can have a layout designed for a smaller screen. If you need to check figures while you are out, we plan for that rather than squeezing a full desktop page onto a phone.
Will Power BI fix inaccurate numbers?
It can make calculations and definitions more consistent, but the information going into a report still needs to be right. We check the figures against known results and work through missing information, duplicates or unclear definitions with you.
What does it cost?
There are two things to consider: building the report and any Microsoft licences needed to use and share it. We agree a project fee around the work involved and explain separate ongoing costs, including any optional support. You can start with one focused report.
Are we too small to need this?
The useful question is how much effort the report takes and how valuable the answers are. A small team with a time-consuming weekly report can be a good fit. If the current spreadsheet already does the job well, there may be little reason to change it.
What happens after the report is finished?
We agree ownership, handover and support as part of the scope. The aim is to leave your team with an understandable report, documentation and a practical walkthrough. Any ongoing support is agreed separately.
Start with one report
What would you like your reporting to do better?
Tell us what you produce today, what takes the time and what you wish was easier to see. You do not need to know whether Power BI is the answer before getting in touch.