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{{Cat|Power Query|001}}
== Module 1: Introduction to Power Query and Basic Transformations ==
== Module 1: Introduction to Power Query and Basic Transformations ==


=== Objective ===
=== Objective ===
In this exercise you will learn to:
In this exercise, you will learn to:


Import data from a CSV file into Power Query.
* Import data from a CSV file into Power Query.
Examine and adjust data types, focusing on converting a text-formatted date into an actual date type.
* Review and adjust data types, focusing on converting a date stored as text into a proper date type.
Apply basic filtering to the data.
* Apply basic data filtering.
Use external help (e.g., ChatGPT) for hints on creating custom M code without directly copying solutions.
* Use external help (e.g., ChatGPT) to get guidance on creating custom M code, without directly copying solutions.
=== Provided Data ===
You are provided with a downloadable CSV file named 📂[[File:PQ_sales.csv]] that contains sales order data. The file includes the following columns:


*OrderID (integer)
=== Files Provided ===
*OrderDate (text, in a non-standard date format)
You can download the CSV file 
*Customer (text)
📂[[Media:PQsales.csv]] 
*Product (text)
which contains sales order data.
*Quantity (integer)
*Cost (number)


=== Instructions ===
=== Instructions ===


* Step 1: Import the Data
* Step 1: Import the data
 
# Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
# Import the data from the file sales.csv.
# Note that the *OrderDate* column was imported as text due to its format (dd/MM/yyyy).
 
* Step 2: Check and convert data types
 
# Verify that each column has the correct data type.
# Manually transform the *OrderDate* column from text to date type.
# Tip: If you encounter difficulties, you can ask ChatGPT for hints on how to write an M function to convert text to date.


#Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
* Step 3: Apply basic filtering
#Import the data from the sales.csv file.
#Observe that the OrderDate column is imported as text due to its format (dd/MM/yyyy).
* Step 2: Check and Convert Data Types


#Verify that each column has the correct data type.
# Filter the dataset to keep only rows where the cost is greater than 200.
#Manually convert the OrderDate column from text to date type.
# Suggestion: Use Power Query’s graphical interface or write a simple M script to apply the filter. If needed, consult ChatGPT for implementation ideas.
#Hint: If you have trouble, consider asking ChatGPT for guidance on how to write an M function for converting text to a date.
* Step 3: Apply Basic Filtering


#Filter the dataset so that only rows where Cost is greater than 200 remain.
* Step 4: Review and save your work
#Suggestion: Use the graphical interface of Power Query or write a simple M script to apply the filter. If needed, consult ChatGPT for ideas on how to #implement this filter.
* Step 4: Review and Save Your Work


#Confirm that the transformations have been applied correctly by reviewing the data preview.
# Confirm that the transformations were applied correctly by reviewing the data preview.
#Save your query and document the steps you took.
# Save the query and document the steps you have taken.


=== Task ===
=== Task ===


Complete the steps outlined above in Power Query.
Perform the steps described above in Power Query.
Experiment with the transformation options available and try to understand how each step affects your data.
Experiment with available transformation options and try to understand how each step affects your data.
Use ChatGPT for hints or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.
Use ChatGPT for hints or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.


== Module 2: Combining and Merging Data from Multiple Sources ==
=== Objective ===


== Module 2: Combining and Merging Data from Multiple Sources ==
In this exercise, you will learn to:
 
* Import data from multiple CSV files into Power Query.
* Merge data from different sources based on a common key.
* Use a Left Outer Join to add customer details to sales orders.
* Use external help (e.g., ChatGPT) to get guidance on writing custom M code, without copying complete solutions.


=== Objective ===
=== Files Provided ===  
In this exercise you will learn to:
You can download the following two CSV files:


Import data from multiple CSV files into Power Query.
📂 [[Media:PQ_sales2.csv]] – Contains sales order data
Merge (join) data from different sources based on a common key.
Use a Left Outer Join to add customer details to sales orders.
Leverage external help (e.g., ChatGPT) for hints on writing custom M code without copying complete solutions.
=== Provided Data ===
You are provided with two downloadable CSV files:


📂 [[File:PQ_sales2.csv]]  – Contains sales order data:
📂 [[Media:PQ_customers.csv]] – Contains customer information
📂 [[File:PQ_customers.csv]] – Contains customer information:


=== Instructions ===
=== Instructions ===


* Step 1: Import the Data
* Step 1: Import the data 
Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. 
Import data from both files: PQ_sales.csv and PQ_customers.csv. 
Check that both queries have been loaded correctly.


Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
* Step 2: Check and convert data types 
Import data from both PQ_sales.csv and PQ_customers.csv.
Ensure that each column has the correct data type in both queries.
Verify that both queries load correctly.
For example, note that the *OrderDate* column in PQ_sales.csv may be imported as text due to a non-standard format.
* Step 2: Check and Convert Data Types
Tip: Use the transformation functions if any adjustments are needed.


Confirm that each column has the appropriate data type in both queries.
* Step 3: Merge the data
For example, note that the OrderDate column in PQ_sales.csv is imported as text due to its non-standard format.
Merge the *PQ_sales.csv* query with the *PQ_customers.csv* query. 
Hint: Use transformation functions if any adjustments are needed.
Use the *Customer* column as the matching key.
* Step 3: Merge the Data
Choose the Left Outer Join option so that every sales order is retained along with the corresponding customer details.
Suggestion: If you’re not sure how to write M code for this merge, ask ChatGPT for tips on how to merge queries.


Merge the PQ_sales.csv query with the PQ_customers.csv query.
* Step 4: Review the merged data 
Use the Customer column as the matching key.
Confirm that the resulting query includes additional columns (e.g., *Region*, *CustomerSince*) from the PQ_customers.csv file.
Select a Left Outer Join so that every sales order is retained along with its corresponding customer details.
Check the merged data to ensure that customer details have been correctly linked to the corresponding sales orders.
Suggestion: If you’re unsure how to write the M code for this merge, ask ChatGPT for guidance on merging queries.
* Step 4: Review the Merged Data
 
Confirm that the resulting query includes additional columns (e.g., Region, CustomerSince) from the PQ_customers.csv file.
Inspect the merged data to ensure that customer details have been correctly joined to the appropriate sales orders.
* Step 5: Save Your Work


* Step 5: Save your work 
Save your query and document the transformation steps you applied.
Save your query and document the transformation steps you applied.


=== Task ===
=== Task ===


Complete the steps outlined above using Power Query.
Perform the steps described above in Power Query.
Experiment with both the graphical interface and custom M code to perform the merge.
Experiment with both the graphical interface and custom M code to complete the merge.
Use external resources (e.g., ChatGPT) for hints or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.
Use external resources (e.g., ChatGPT) for guidance or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.


== Module 3: Creating Custom Columns and Functions ==
== Module 3: Creating Custom Columns and Functions ==


=== Objective ===
=== Objective ===  
In this exercise, you will learn to:
In this exercise, you will learn to:


Create custom calculated columns using Power Query.
* Create custom calculated columns in Power Query.
* Use built-in Power Query functions to manipulate text, numbers, and dates.
* Write custom M functions to automate transformations.
* Use ChatGPT to assist in writing and optimizing M code.
 
=== Files Provided ===


Use built-in Power Query functions to manipulate text, numbers, and dates.
The following datasets are used for this exercise:


Write custom functions in the M language to automate transformations.
📂[[Media:PQ_sales2.csv]] (used in previous modules) 
📂[[Media:PQ_discounts.csv]] (new dataset) – contains discount rates based on product type.


Utilize ChatGPT to assist with writing and optimizing M code.
=== Instructions ===


=== Provided Data ===
* Step 1: Import the data 
Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. 
Import both files: *PQ_sales.csv* and *PQ_discounts.csv*. 
Ensure both tables are loaded correctly.


For this exercise, we will use the following datasets:
<br>
* Step 2: Create a custom column for total cost 
In the *PQ_sales* table, add a new custom column: 
Go to **Add Column → Custom Column**. 
Name it `TotalCost`. 
Create a formula to calculate the total cost as:
`Quantity * Cost` 
Click OK and review the results.


📂[[File:PQ_sales2.csv]] (used in previous modules)
<br>
* Step 3: Apply discounts using merge 
Merge *PQ_sales* with *PQ_discounts* using the *Product* column as the key. 
Expand the `DiscountRate` column into the *PQ_sales* table. 
Add another custom column named `DiscountedPrice`: 
`[TotalCost] - ([TotalCost] * [DiscountRate])
Check that the new column correctly applies the discounts.


📂[[File:PQ_discounts.csv]] (new dataset) - contains discount rates based on product type.
<br>
* Step 4: Create a custom function in M 
Create a function to categorize products into price bands: 
Go to **Home → Advanced Editor**. 
Write an M function that takes `Cost` as input and returns a category: 
Low if Cost < 500  Medium if Cost between 500 and 1500  High if Cost > 1500 
 
 
<br>
* Step 5: Assign categories 
In the *PQ_sales* table, add a custom column using the function. 
Name the column `PriceCategory`. 
Make sure the categories display correctly based on the values in the *Cost* column.
 
=== Task ===
* ✔ Complete all steps in Power Query. 
* ✔ Experiment with both the graphical interface and M code. 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or refining your M scripts.
 
== Module 4: Advanced Data Transformations in Power Query ==
 
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn: 
* ✔ How to pivot and unpivot data in Power Query 
* ✔ How to split and merge columns for better data structure 
* ✔ How to use conditional transformations 
* ✔ How to leverage ChatGPT to build complex M scripts
 
=== Files Provided ===
 
This exercise introduces a new dataset: 
'''📂 [[Media:PQ_sales_pivot.csv]]''' – contains monthly sales data in a pivoted format.


=== Instructions ===
=== Instructions ===


* Step 1: Import the Data
'''Step 1: Import the data''' 
Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. 
Import the file *PQ_sales_pivot.csv*. 
Ensure the table loads correctly.


# Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
# Import both PQ_sales.csv and PQ_discounts.csv.
# Ensure that both tables are loaded correctly.
<br>
<br>
'''Step 2: Unpivot the data''' 
The current table has a wide format that is not ideal for analysis. 
Unpivot the monthly columns so the data structure becomes:


* Step 2: Creating a Custom Column for Total Cost
* Product 
* Category 
* Month 
* Sales Amount
 
How to do it:
 
# Click **Transform → Use First Row as Headers** to make sure column names are correct.
# Select the month columns (e.g., Jan 2025, Feb 2025, etc.).
# Click **Transform → Unpivot Columns**.
# Rename the resulting columns: 
## Attribute → Month
## Value → Sales Amount


# In the PQ_sales table, add a new custom column:
# Navigate to Add Column → Custom Column.
# Name it TotalCost.
# Create a formula to calculate the total cost as:
Quantity * Cost
#Click OK and check the results.
<br>
<br>
'''Step 3: Splitting and merging columns'''


* Step 3: Applying Discounts Using a Merge
# The `Month` column now contains values like "Jan 2025".
# Split this column into `Month Name` and `Year`: 
# Select the `Month` column. 
# Click **Transform → Split Column → By Delimiter**
# Choose space (" ") as the delimiter. 
# Rename the new columns to `Month Name` and `Year`.
 
*Example of merging columns:
To merge `Product` and `Category`, select both columns: 
# Click **Transform → Merge Columns**. 
# Use `" - "` as the separator (e.g., `"Monitor - Electronics"`).


#Merge PQ_sales with PQ_discounts using the Product column as the key.
#Expand the DiscountRate column into PQ_sales.
#Add another custom column called DiscountedPrice:
[TotalCost] - ([TotalCost] * [DiscountRate])
#Verify that the new column correctly applies the discounts.
<br>
<br>
'''Step 4: Adding conditional transformations''' 
Add a new custom column named `Sales Performance` with the following logic:
if [Sales Amount] < 300 then "Low"
else if [Sales Amount] >= 300 and [Sales Amount] < 800 then "Medium"
else "High"
Make sure the column correctly categorizes the sales performance.
=== Task ===
* ✔ Complete all steps in Power Query 
* ✔ Experiment with unpivoting, splitting, merging, and conditional logic 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or refining your M scripts
== Module 5: Parameterization and Dynamic Queries in Power Query ==
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn: 
* ✔ How to create parameters in Power Query 
* ✔ How to use parameters for dynamic filtering and query control
=== Files Provided ===
This exercise uses the following files:
* '''📂 [[Media:PQ_sales2.csv]]''' 
* '''📂 [[Media:PQ_parameters.xlsx]]''' – contains values for dynamic filtering
=== Instructions ===
* 🔹 Step 1: Load the CSV file into Power Query 
# Open Excel and go to **Data → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV** 
# Select the file `PQ_sales.csv` and load it into Power Query 
# Make sure Power Query recognizes the data correctly
* 🔹 Step 2: Process the `Parameters` table 
# In Power Query, go to the **`Parameters`** table 
# **Transpose the table** – click **Transform → Transpose** 
# **Use the first row as headers** – click **Transform → Use First Row as Headers** 
# **Change the data types** for `startDate` and `endDate` to **Date**: 
## Click the `startDate` column header → choose type `Date` 
## Repeat for `endDate`
* 🔹 Step 3: Create separate queries for `startDate` and `endDate` 
# In the `Parameters` table, right-click the value in `startDate` → **Add as New Query** 
# Repeat this for `endDate`
* 🔹 Step 4: Change the data type of `OrderDate` in the `PQ Sales` table to date 
# Go back to the `PQ Sales` query 
# The `OrderDate` column contains dates in `DD MM YY` format 
# **Split the column into three parts**: 
## Click **Transform → Split Column → By Delimiter** 
## Choose **Space** (` `) as the delimiter 
## You will get: `OrderDate.1`, `OrderDate.2`, `OrderDate.3` (day, month, year) 
# **Change their types to `Number` (Int64.Type)** 
# **Merge into proper `YYYY-MM-DD` format**: 
## Click **Merge Columns** 
## Order the columns as: `OrderDate.2`, `OrderDate.3`, `OrderDate.1` (month, year, day) 
## Use `/` as the separator 
## Rename the new column to `DateOrder` 
## Change its type to **Date**
* 🔹 Step 5: Add a dynamic filter to `DateOrder` 
# Open the **Advanced Editor** (`View → Advanced Editor`) 
# Find the last step before `in`, such as:
"Renamed Columns" = Table.RenameColumns(#"Changed Type2",{{"Merged", "DateOrder"}})
* 🔹 Step 6: Add the filter line:
#"Filtered Rows" = Table.SelectRows(#"Renamed Columns", each [DateOrder] >= startDate and [DateOrder] <= endDate)
Ensure that `startDate` and `endDate` are in Date format.
Update the final `in` line to return the filtered table:
in
#"Filtered Rows"


* Step 4: Creating a Custom Function in M
* 🔹 Step 7: Check the results 
#Create a function to categorize products into different price ranges:
# Click **Done** 
#Navigate to Home → Advanced Editor.
# Verify that the data is correctly filtered  
#Write an M function that takes Cost as an input and returns a category:
# Click **Close & Load** to load the data into Excel
  Low if Cost < 500
#Medium if Cost is between 500 and 1500
High if Cost > 1500


Hint: If you're unsure how to structure the function, ask ChatGPT: "How do I write an M function that categorizes prices into Low, Medium, and High?"
== Module 6: Automating Data Combining and Refreshing in Power Query ==
<br>
 
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn: 
* ✔ How to automatically import and combine files from a folder 
* ✔ How to handle different column names across files 
* ✔ How to prepare data for reporting regardless of source file structure 
* ✔ How to set up automatic data refresh in Power Query
 
=== Files Provided ===
This exercise uses a set of sales files located in a single folder:
 
'''📂 [[Media:Sales_Jan.xlsx]]''' – Sales for January 
'''📂 [[Media:Sales_Feb.xlsx]]''' – Sales for February 
'''📂 [[Media:Sales_Mar.xlsx]]''' – Sales for March 
 
Each file contains similar data, but the sales column names differ:
 
* In *Sales_Jan.xlsx*: the sales column is named `Total Sale` 
* In *Sales_Feb.xlsx*: the column is named `Revenue` 
* In *Sales_Mar.xlsx*: the column is named `SalesAmount`
 
The goal is to combine these files into a single dataset and standardize the column names.
 
=== Instructions ===
 
* Step 1: Load files from a folder 
# Open Power Query in Excel 
# Go to **Data → Get Data → From File → From Folder** 
# Select the folder containing the files (Sales_Jan.xlsx, Sales_Feb.xlsx, Sales_Mar.xlsx) 
# Click **Load** to add files to Power Query without combining them automatically
 
* Step 2: Use M code to load the data 
# Open **Advanced Editor** in Power Query 
# Paste the following M code and click **Done**:
 
let
// Load files from folder
Source = Folder.Files("C:\Users\pathToFolder..."),
// Add a column to access the Excel file contents
AddContent = Table.AddColumn(Source, "Custom", each Excel.Workbook([Content])),
/ Expand content to view all data
ExpandContent = Table.ExpandTableColumn(AddContent, "Custom", {"Name", "Data"}, {"File Name", "Data"})
in
ExpandContent
 
 
# After applying the code, you will see a new `Data` column
 
* Step 3: Expand the table contents 
# Click the expand icon next to the `Data` column 
# This reveals the full data from each file 
# Ensure that all relevant columns from all files are visible
 
* Step 4: Remove unnecessary columns 
# Review the table and remove technical columns (e.g., file path) not needed for analysis 
# Go to **Transform → Remove Columns** and select what to discard
 
* Step 5: Rename columns 
# Rename the varying sales columns to a consistent name (e.g., `Sales`) 
# Use **Transform → Rename Column** to apply a uniform structure
 
* Step 6: Remove unnecessary rows (e.g., repeated headers) 
# Apply a filter on the column containing sales values 
# Remove rows with repeated headers caused by merging files 
# Go to **Transform → Remove Rows → Remove Duplicates**, or filter manually
 
* Step 7: Enable automatic refresh 
# Go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file** 
# Optionally set automatic refresh every X minutes 
# If a new file (e.g., *Sales_Apr.xlsx*) is added to the folder, Power Query will automatically include it upon refresh!
 
=== Task ===
* ✔ Load and combine data from *Sales_Jan.xlsx*, *Sales_Feb.xlsx*, and *Sales_Mar.xlsx* 
* ✔ Standardize column names and format the data consistently 
* ✔ Remove empty rows, unnecessary columns, and duplicates 
* ✔ Set up auto-refresh so new files are included automatically 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT to optimize the M code in Power Query
 
== Module 7: Optimizing Query Performance in Power Query ==
 
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn:
* ✔ How to speed up Power Query when working with large datasets 
* ✔ How to avoid inefficient operations that slow down queries 
* ✔ How to use buffering and database-level transformations 
* ✔ How to minimize the amount of data processed for better performance
 
=== Introduction ===
Power Query enables powerful data transformation, but with large datasets, performance can suffer. In this module, you will learn best practices to reduce query execution time.
 
=== Instructions ===
 
* Step 1: Avoid unnecessary operations on the entire dataset 
# Load a large CSV file: 📂[[Media:PQSales_Large.csv]] 
# Check the number of rows and columns – the more data, the more important the optimization 
# Remove unnecessary columns at the beginning of the query instead of the end 
# Apply early filtering to reduce the number of rows right after import
 
* Step 2: Use buffering (Table.Buffer) 
# Understand how step-by-step processing works – each operation may cause Power Query to recalculate previous steps 
# Add `Table.Buffer()` after the filter step to avoid re-processing:
 
let
Source = Csv.Document(File.Contents("C:\Users\gp\Desktop\PQ\Sales_Large.csv"),[Delimiter=",", Columns=6, Encoding=1252, QuoteStyle=QuoteStyle.None]),
FilteredRows = Table.SelectRows(Source, each [Cost] > 500),
BufferedData = Table.Buffer(FilteredRows)
in
BufferedData
 
 
Using `Table.Buffer()` ensures that the results are stored in memory and not recalculated at each step.
 
* Step 3: Minimize the number of loaded rows 
# When working with large databases or CSV files, load only the needed columns and rows 
# Use **Keep Top Rows** to load e.g., the first 1000 rows for testing 
# Apply **Remove Duplicates** early to reduce the volume of data being processed
 
* Step 4: Optimize database connections 
# If working with SQL Server, Power BI, or another database, avoid importing full tables into Power Query 
# Instead, apply filtering and grouping on the database side using native SQL
 
Example:
 
let
Source = Sql.Database("ServerName", "DatabaseName", [Query="SELECT OrderID, OrderDate, Customer, Product FROM Sales WHERE Cost > 500"])
in
Source
 
 
This ensures Power Query pulls only the filtered data instead of processing the entire table in memory.
 
* Step 5: Avoid "drill-down" operations on large datasets 
# Power Query often suggests drill-downs (e.g., selecting a single value from a table) 
# When working with large data, operate on whole tables instead of individual records
 
* Step 6: Automatically refresh optimized queries 
# Once optimized, configure the query to refresh regularly 
# In Excel, go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file**
 
=== Task ===
 
* Load the large CSV file (*PQSales_Large.csv*) 
* Limit the number of loaded rows and columns 
* Apply `Table.Buffer()` and observe performance improvements 
* If using a database, optimize your SQL query 
* Set up auto-refresh for the optimized query 
* Use ChatGPT to analyze performance and further optimize M code
 
== Module 8: Creating Dynamic Reports and Dashboards in Excel with Power Query ==
 
=== Objective === 
In this module, you will learn: 
* ✔ How to use Power Query to dynamically generate reports 
* ✔ How to combine data from multiple sources into a single report 
* ✔ How to create interactive reports using PivotTables 
* ✔ How to automate report refreshing in Excel
 
=== Files Provided === 
The following files are used for this exercise: 
 
* 📂 [[Media:PQ_Sales_Data.xlsx]] – Sales data 
* 📂 [[Media:PQ_Regions.xlsx]] – Sales regions 
* 📂 [[Media:PQ_Targets.xlsx]] – Sales targets
 
=== Instructions ===
 
'''Step 1: Import and combine data sources'''
 
# Open Power Query in Excel 
# Import the files: *PQ_Sales_Data.xlsx*, *PQ_Regions.xlsx*, and *PQ_Targets.xlsx* 
# Merge the data using a common key – for example, the `Region` column 
# Verify that the data is correctly combined and properly formatted
 
'''Step 2: Create a dynamic report'''
 
# Click **Close & Load To...** and select **Pivot Table** 
# Insert the PivotTable in a new worksheet, using the Power Query output as the source 
# In the PivotTable Fields pane, set:
  * Rows → `Region` 
  * Columns → `Month` 
  * Values → `Sum of Sales`
 
Check for accuracy and apply formatting to the table
 
'''Step 3: Add conditional formatting'''
 
# Select the `Sum of Sales` column in the PivotTable 
# Go to **Conditional Formatting → Color Scales** 
# Apply gradient colors to highlight low and high sales values 
# Add a rule: “Greater than” and highlight values above the sales target (from *PQ_Targets.xlsx*) using:
 
=B5 > VLOOKUP($A5,Targets!$A$2:$B$8,2,0)


* Step 5: Assigning Categories
'''Step 4: Automate data refreshing'''


#In the PQ_sales table, add a custom column using the function.
# Go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file** 
#Name the column PriceCategory.
# Optionally set auto-refresh every X minutes 
#Ensure that the categories appear correctly based on the Cost value.
# Test the report by updating the source files and verifying that the report refreshes correctly


=== Task ===
=== Task ===
*✔ Complete all steps in Power Query.
*✔ Experiment with both the graphical interface and M code.
*✔ Use ChatGPT to troubleshoot or improve your M script.


* ✔ Load and combine data from *PQ_Sales_Data.xlsx*, *PQ_Regions.xlsx*, and *PQ_Targets.xlsx* 
* ✔ Create a PivotTable and format it dynamically 
* ✔ Add conditional formatting based on sales targets 
* ✔ Set up automatic data refreshing 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT to analyze and optimize Power Query transformations


== Module 4: Advanced Data Transformations in Power Query ==
== Summary: Modules 1–8 ==
 
=== Objective ===
In this exercise, you will summarize all the key concepts learned so far in Power Query by performing a series of transformations on inventory and supplier data. 
You will apply data import, filtering, merging, column creation, custom functions, and query optimization.
 
=== Files Provided ===
The following files are used for this exercise: 
* '''📂 [[Media:PQ_inventory.csv]]''' – Inventory stock data 
* '''📂 [[Media:PQ_suppliers.csv]]''' – Supplier information 
* '''📂 [[Media:PQ_orders.csv]]''' – Warehouse delivery orders
 
=== Instructions ===
 
'''🔹 Step 1: Import data''' 
# Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI 
# Import the three CSV files: `PQ_inventory.csv`, `PQ_suppliers.csv`, `PQ_orders.csv` 
# Make sure all datasets are loaded correctly
 
'''🔹 Step 2: Check and convert data types''' 
# Ensure all columns in each dataset have correct data types 
# Issue to solve: the `StockLevel` column was incorrectly imported as text because it contains units like `150 kg`, `200 l`, `75 pcs` 
# Transform the `StockLevel` column to extract numeric values and store the unit in a new column `Unit` 
# Verify that the `SupplierID` column is recognized as an integer
 
'''🔹 Step 3: Merge data''' 
# Merge `PQ_inventory.csv` with `PQ_suppliers.csv` using the `SupplierID` key 
# Use a **Left Outer Join** to retain all inventory records 
# Then merge `PQ_orders.csv` with `PQ_inventory.csv` using the `ProductID` key 
# Verify that supplier and order info have been successfully added to the inventory table
 
'''🔹 Step 4: Create custom columns''' 
# Add a column `ReorderLevel` that flags products needing restocking when `StockLevel` is less than `MinimumStock` 
# Add a column `DaysSinceLastOrder` that calculates the number of days since the last order for each product 
# Create a custom M function that assigns order priority:
 
<pre>
if [StockLevel] < [MinimumStock] and [DaysSinceLastOrder] > 30 then "High"
else if [StockLevel] < [MinimumStock] then "Medium"
else "Low"
</pre>
 
# Add a column `OrderPriority` and apply this function
 
'''🔹 Step 5: Conditional filtering and transformations''' 
# Remove products that have a `Discontinued` status 
# Add a new column `SupplierRating` that classifies suppliers by reliability:
 
<pre>
if [OnTimeDeliveryRate] < 80 then "Excellent"
else if [OnTimeDeliveryRate] <= 90 then "Good"
else "Poor"
</pre>
 
# Verify that the rating logic works correctly
 
'''🔹 Step 6: Reshape the data structure''' 
# Unpivot columns `Stock_Jan`, `Stock_Feb`, `Stock_Mar` into: `Product`, `Month`, `Stock Level` 
# Split the `ProductDetails` column into `ProductName` and `Category` 
# Merge the `SupplierName` and `Country` columns using `" - "` as a separator
 
'''🔹 Step 7: Query optimization''' 
# Apply `Table.Buffer()` to improve performance 
# Remove unused columns and duplicates at the beginning of the transformations, not at the end 
# If working with large data, limit the loaded rows to a test sample of 1000
 
'''🔹 Step 8: Export results''' 
# Load the final query as a table into Excel 
# Test data refresh by updating source files 
# Set up auto-refresh for the query
 
=== Task ===
* ✔ Complete all the steps listed above 
* ✔ Experiment with both the graphical interface and M code 
* ✔ Apply query optimization to improve performance 
* ✔ Ensure all transformations are correct and results are as expected 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or optimizing your M script
 
== Module 9: Importing and Analyzing PDF Files in Power Query ==


=== Objective ===
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn:
In this module, you will learn:
*✔ How to pivot and unpivot data in Power Query.
*✔ How to split and merge columns for better data structuring.
*✔ How to use conditional transformations.
*✔ How to leverage ChatGPT for complex M scripting.


=== Provided Data ===For this exercise, we will introduce a new dataset: PQ_sales_pivot.csv, which contains monthly sales figures for different products.
* ✔ How to import data from PDF files into Power Query 
* ✔ How to transform data and perform analysis on business reports 
* ✔ How to visualize results and draw insights from reports


'''📂 [[File:PQ_sales_pivot.csv]]''' - Pivoted data structure:
=== Files Provided ===
The following PDF reports are used in this exercise:
 
* 📂 [[Media:Monthly_Sales_Report_Jan2024.pdf]] – Sales Report 
* 📂 [[Media:Employee_Attendance_Q1_2024.pdf]] – Employee Attendance Report 
* 📂 [[Media:Customer_Feedback_Survey_2024.pdf]] – Customer Feedback Report


=== Instructions ===
=== Instructions ===


* Step 1: Import the Data
🔹 '''Task 1: Sales Report Analysis'''
 
# Calculate total sales for all products 
# Identify the product with the highest and lowest sales 
# Compute the average transaction value based on transaction count and total sales 
# Group data by region and calculate total sales per region 
# Create a pivot table showing sales by region and product
 
🔹 '''Task 2: Employee Attendance Report Analysis'''
 
# Calculate the average attendance rate across all departments 
# Identify the department with the highest and lowest attendance 
# Add a new column classifying attendance into categories: 
## High: above 95% 
## Medium: 85%–95% 
## Low: below 85% 
# Filter the data to show only employees with low attendance 
# Create a bar chart showing average attendance by department
 
🔹 '''Task 3: Customer Feedback Report Analysis'''


#Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
# Calculate the average customer rating on a 1–5 scale 
#Import the file PQ_sales_pivot.csv.
# Count how many customers gave a rating of 1 or 5 
#Ensure that the table is loaded correctly.
# Generate a summary report of the most frequent positive and negative comments 
<br>
# Sort the data by customer rating from lowest to highest 
# Create a pie chart showing the distribution of customer ratings
 
=== Summary ===
* ✔ Complete the analysis tasks for each report separately 
* ✔ Apply filtering, sorting, and grouping operations 
* ✔ Use pivot tables to aggregate data 
* ✔ Visualize results using charts in Excel or Power BI
* ✔ Use ChatGPT if you encounter difficulties during analysis
 
== Module 10: Importing and Analyzing Web Data in Power Query ==
 
=== Objective ===
In this module, you will learn:


* Step 2: Unpivot the Data
* ✔ How to import data from statistical tables available on Wikipedia into Power Query 
* ✔ How to transform and analyze data about countries of the world 
* ✔ How to visualize comparison results in Excel or Power BI


#The current table has a wide format, which is not ideal for analysis.
=== Data Sources ===
#Unpivot the month columns so that the data is structured as:
In this exercise, we’ll use real tabular data about countries of the world imported directly from Wikipedia. These include:


*Product
* 📊 **Surface area of countries** 🌍 
*Category
* 📊 **Population by country** 👥 
*Month
* 📊 **Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by country** 💰 
*Sales Amount
<br>


How to do this:
'''Sources:''' 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_area List of countries by area] 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_population List of countries by population] 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal) List of countries by nominal GDP]


#Click Transform → Use First Row as Headers to ensure the correct column names.
=== Instructions ===
#Select the month columns (Jan 2025, Feb 2025, etc.).
#Click Transform → Unpivot Columns.
#Rename the resulting columns:
# "Attribute" → Month
#"Value" → Sales Amount
<br>


* Step 3: Splitting and Merging Columns
🔹 '''Step 1: Import data from Wikipedia'''


#The Month column currently has values like "Jan 2025".
# Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI 
#Split this column into Month Name and Year:
# Choose **Get Data → From Web** 
#Select the Month column.
# Enter the URL of one of the Wikipedia pages above 
#Click Transform → Split Column → By Delimiter.
# Once the available tables are loaded, select the one containing statistical data (e.g., country area, population, or GDP)
#Choose the space (" ") delimiter.
# Click **Load to Power Query** to begin transforming the data
#Rename the new columns as Month Name and Year.


Merge Columns Example:
🔹 '''Step 2: Transform and clean the data'''


If you want to merge Product and Category, select both.
# **Remove unnecessary columns**, keeping only those relevant for analysis 
# **Change data types** so that numbers are correctly interpreted (e.g., `Area` as number, `GDP` as currency) 
# **Remove empty values** and correct any errors 
# **Rename columns** to clearer names, such as `Country`, `Area (km²)`, `Population`, `GDP (billion USD)`


#Click Transform → Merge Columns.
🔹 '''Step 3: Analyze and compare countries'''
#Use " - " as a separator (e.g., "Monitor - Electronics").
<br>


* Step 4: Adding Conditional Transformations
# **Calculate population density** by adding a new column with the formula:
Population Density = Population / Area 


Add a new custom column called "Sales Performance":
# **Sort countries by GDP** to identify the richest and poorest nations 
# **Compare area and population** to find the largest, smallest, and most populated countries 
# **Apply filtering** to display only selected continents or world regions


if [Sales Amount] < 300 then "Low"
🔹 '''Step 4: Visualize the results'''
else if [Sales Amount] >= 300 and [Sales Amount] < 800 then "Medium"
else "High"


Ensure that the column correctly categorizes sales performance.
# Create a **pivot table** in Excel to compare area, population, and GDP 
# Insert a **bar chart** to show the largest economies 
# Use a **heat map** to illustrate population density by region 
# Add **conditional formatting** to highlight countries with extreme statistical values


=== Task ===
=== Task ===
*✔ Complete all steps in Power Query.
* ✔ Import world country data from Wikipedia into Power Query
*✔ Experiment with unpivoting, splitting, merging, and conditional logic.
* ✔ Transform and clean the data to make it analysis-ready 
*✔ Use ChatGPT to troubleshoot or improve your M script.
* ✔ Calculate population density and other statistical indicators 
* ✔ Create charts and comparison tables in Excel or Power BI 
* ✔ Use ChatGPT if you encounter issues during import or analysis

Latest revision as of 12:47, 24 June 2025

Module 1: Introduction to Power Query and Basic Transformations

Objective

In this exercise, you will learn to:

  • Import data from a CSV file into Power Query.
  • Review and adjust data types, focusing on converting a date stored as text into a proper date type.
  • Apply basic data filtering.
  • Use external help (e.g., ChatGPT) to get guidance on creating custom M code, without directly copying solutions.

Files Provided

You can download the CSV file 📂Media:PQsales.csv which contains sales order data.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Import the data
  1. Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI.
  2. Import the data from the file sales.csv.
  3. Note that the *OrderDate* column was imported as text due to its format (dd/MM/yyyy).
  • Step 2: Check and convert data types
  1. Verify that each column has the correct data type.
  2. Manually transform the *OrderDate* column from text to date type.
  3. Tip: If you encounter difficulties, you can ask ChatGPT for hints on how to write an M function to convert text to date.
  • Step 3: Apply basic filtering
  1. Filter the dataset to keep only rows where the cost is greater than 200.
  2. Suggestion: Use Power Query’s graphical interface or write a simple M script to apply the filter. If needed, consult ChatGPT for implementation ideas.
  • Step 4: Review and save your work
  1. Confirm that the transformations were applied correctly by reviewing the data preview.
  2. Save the query and document the steps you have taken.

Task

Perform the steps described above in Power Query. Experiment with available transformation options and try to understand how each step affects your data. Use ChatGPT for hints or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.

Module 2: Combining and Merging Data from Multiple Sources

Objective

In this exercise, you will learn to:

  • Import data from multiple CSV files into Power Query.
  • Merge data from different sources based on a common key.
  • Use a Left Outer Join to add customer details to sales orders.
  • Use external help (e.g., ChatGPT) to get guidance on writing custom M code, without copying complete solutions.

Files Provided

You can download the following two CSV files:

📂 Media:PQ_sales2.csv – Contains sales order data

📂 Media:PQ_customers.csv – Contains customer information

Instructions

  • Step 1: Import the data

Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. Import data from both files: PQ_sales.csv and PQ_customers.csv. Check that both queries have been loaded correctly.

  • Step 2: Check and convert data types

Ensure that each column has the correct data type in both queries. For example, note that the *OrderDate* column in PQ_sales.csv may be imported as text due to a non-standard format. Tip: Use the transformation functions if any adjustments are needed.

  • Step 3: Merge the data

Merge the *PQ_sales.csv* query with the *PQ_customers.csv* query. Use the *Customer* column as the matching key. Choose the Left Outer Join option so that every sales order is retained along with the corresponding customer details. Suggestion: If you’re not sure how to write M code for this merge, ask ChatGPT for tips on how to merge queries.

  • Step 4: Review the merged data

Confirm that the resulting query includes additional columns (e.g., *Region*, *CustomerSince*) from the PQ_customers.csv file. Check the merged data to ensure that customer details have been correctly linked to the corresponding sales orders.

  • Step 5: Save your work

Save your query and document the transformation steps you applied.

Task

Perform the steps described above in Power Query. Experiment with both the graphical interface and custom M code to complete the merge. Use external resources (e.g., ChatGPT) for guidance or troubleshooting, but avoid copying complete solutions verbatim.

Module 3: Creating Custom Columns and Functions

Objective

In this exercise, you will learn to:

  • Create custom calculated columns in Power Query.
  • Use built-in Power Query functions to manipulate text, numbers, and dates.
  • Write custom M functions to automate transformations.
  • Use ChatGPT to assist in writing and optimizing M code.

Files Provided

The following datasets are used for this exercise:

📂Media:PQ_sales2.csv (used in previous modules) 📂Media:PQ_discounts.csv (new dataset) – contains discount rates based on product type.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Import the data

Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. Import both files: *PQ_sales.csv* and *PQ_discounts.csv*. Ensure both tables are loaded correctly.


  • Step 2: Create a custom column for total cost

In the *PQ_sales* table, add a new custom column: Go to **Add Column → Custom Column**. Name it `TotalCost`. Create a formula to calculate the total cost as:

`Quantity * Cost`  

Click OK and review the results.


  • Step 3: Apply discounts using merge

Merge *PQ_sales* with *PQ_discounts* using the *Product* column as the key. Expand the `DiscountRate` column into the *PQ_sales* table. Add another custom column named `DiscountedPrice`:

`[TotalCost] - ([TotalCost] * [DiscountRate])`  

Check that the new column correctly applies the discounts.


  • Step 4: Create a custom function in M

Create a function to categorize products into price bands: Go to **Home → Advanced Editor**. Write an M function that takes `Cost` as input and returns a category:

Low if Cost < 500   Medium if Cost between 500 and 1500  High if Cost > 1500  



  • Step 5: Assign categories

In the *PQ_sales* table, add a custom column using the function. Name the column `PriceCategory`. Make sure the categories display correctly based on the values in the *Cost* column.

Task

  • ✔ Complete all steps in Power Query.
  • ✔ Experiment with both the graphical interface and M code.
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or refining your M scripts.

Module 4: Advanced Data Transformations in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to pivot and unpivot data in Power Query
  • ✔ How to split and merge columns for better data structure
  • ✔ How to use conditional transformations
  • ✔ How to leverage ChatGPT to build complex M scripts

Files Provided

This exercise introduces a new dataset: 📂 Media:PQ_sales_pivot.csv – contains monthly sales data in a pivoted format.

Instructions

Step 1: Import the data Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI. Import the file *PQ_sales_pivot.csv*. Ensure the table loads correctly.


Step 2: Unpivot the data The current table has a wide format that is not ideal for analysis. Unpivot the monthly columns so the data structure becomes:

  • Product
  • Category
  • Month
  • Sales Amount

How to do it:

  1. Click **Transform → Use First Row as Headers** to make sure column names are correct.
  2. Select the month columns (e.g., Jan 2025, Feb 2025, etc.).
  3. Click **Transform → Unpivot Columns**.
  4. Rename the resulting columns:
    1. Attribute → Month
    2. Value → Sales Amount


Step 3: Splitting and merging columns

  1. The `Month` column now contains values like "Jan 2025".
  2. Split this column into `Month Name` and `Year`:
  3. Select the `Month` column.
  4. Click **Transform → Split Column → By Delimiter**.
  5. Choose space (" ") as the delimiter.
  6. Rename the new columns to `Month Name` and `Year`.
  • Example of merging columns:*

To merge `Product` and `Category`, select both columns:

  1. Click **Transform → Merge Columns**.
  2. Use `" - "` as the separator (e.g., `"Monitor - Electronics"`).


Step 4: Adding conditional transformations Add a new custom column named `Sales Performance` with the following logic:

if [Sales Amount] < 300 then "Low"
else if [Sales Amount] >= 300 and [Sales Amount] < 800 then "Medium"
else "High"


Make sure the column correctly categorizes the sales performance.

Task

  • ✔ Complete all steps in Power Query
  • ✔ Experiment with unpivoting, splitting, merging, and conditional logic
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or refining your M scripts

Module 5: Parameterization and Dynamic Queries in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to create parameters in Power Query
  • ✔ How to use parameters for dynamic filtering and query control

Files Provided

This exercise uses the following files:

Instructions

  • 🔹 Step 1: Load the CSV file into Power Query
  1. Open Excel and go to **Data → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV**
  2. Select the file `PQ_sales.csv` and load it into Power Query
  3. Make sure Power Query recognizes the data correctly
  • 🔹 Step 2: Process the `Parameters` table
  1. In Power Query, go to the **`Parameters`** table
  2. **Transpose the table** – click **Transform → Transpose**
  3. **Use the first row as headers** – click **Transform → Use First Row as Headers**
  4. **Change the data types** for `startDate` and `endDate` to **Date**:
    1. Click the `startDate` column header → choose type `Date`
    2. Repeat for `endDate`
  • 🔹 Step 3: Create separate queries for `startDate` and `endDate`
  1. In the `Parameters` table, right-click the value in `startDate` → **Add as New Query**
  2. Repeat this for `endDate`
  • 🔹 Step 4: Change the data type of `OrderDate` in the `PQ Sales` table to date
  1. Go back to the `PQ Sales` query
  2. The `OrderDate` column contains dates in `DD MM YY` format
  3. **Split the column into three parts**:
    1. Click **Transform → Split Column → By Delimiter**
    2. Choose **Space** (` `) as the delimiter
    3. You will get: `OrderDate.1`, `OrderDate.2`, `OrderDate.3` (day, month, year)
  4. **Change their types to `Number` (Int64.Type)**
  5. **Merge into proper `YYYY-MM-DD` format**:
    1. Click **Merge Columns**
    2. Order the columns as: `OrderDate.2`, `OrderDate.3`, `OrderDate.1` (month, year, day)
    3. Use `/` as the separator
    4. Rename the new column to `DateOrder`
    5. Change its type to **Date**
  • 🔹 Step 5: Add a dynamic filter to `DateOrder`
  1. Open the **Advanced Editor** (`View → Advanced Editor`)
  2. Find the last step before `in`, such as:
"Renamed Columns" = Table.RenameColumns(#"Changed Type2",Template:"Merged", "DateOrder")
  • 🔹 Step 6: Add the filter line:
#"Filtered Rows" = Table.SelectRows(#"Renamed Columns", each [DateOrder] >= startDate and [DateOrder] <= endDate)


Ensure that `startDate` and `endDate` are in Date format.

Update the final `in` line to return the filtered table:

in
#"Filtered Rows"


  • 🔹 Step 7: Check the results
  1. Click **Done**
  2. Verify that the data is correctly filtered
  3. Click **Close & Load** to load the data into Excel

Module 6: Automating Data Combining and Refreshing in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to automatically import and combine files from a folder
  • ✔ How to handle different column names across files
  • ✔ How to prepare data for reporting regardless of source file structure
  • ✔ How to set up automatic data refresh in Power Query

Files Provided

This exercise uses a set of sales files located in a single folder:

📂 Media:Sales_Jan.xlsx – Sales for January 📂 Media:Sales_Feb.xlsx – Sales for February 📂 Media:Sales_Mar.xlsx – Sales for March

Each file contains similar data, but the sales column names differ:

  • In *Sales_Jan.xlsx*: the sales column is named `Total Sale`
  • In *Sales_Feb.xlsx*: the column is named `Revenue`
  • In *Sales_Mar.xlsx*: the column is named `SalesAmount`

The goal is to combine these files into a single dataset and standardize the column names.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Load files from a folder
  1. Open Power Query in Excel
  2. Go to **Data → Get Data → From File → From Folder**
  3. Select the folder containing the files (Sales_Jan.xlsx, Sales_Feb.xlsx, Sales_Mar.xlsx)
  4. Click **Load** to add files to Power Query without combining them automatically
  • Step 2: Use M code to load the data
  1. Open **Advanced Editor** in Power Query
  2. Paste the following M code and click **Done**:
let
// Load files from folder
Source = Folder.Files("C:\Users\pathToFolder..."),

// Add a column to access the Excel file contents
AddContent = Table.AddColumn(Source, "Custom", each Excel.Workbook([Content])),

/ Expand content to view all data
ExpandContent = Table.ExpandTableColumn(AddContent, "Custom", {"Name", "Data"}, {"File Name", "Data"})

in
ExpandContent


  1. After applying the code, you will see a new `Data` column
  • Step 3: Expand the table contents
  1. Click the expand icon next to the `Data` column
  2. This reveals the full data from each file
  3. Ensure that all relevant columns from all files are visible
  • Step 4: Remove unnecessary columns
  1. Review the table and remove technical columns (e.g., file path) not needed for analysis
  2. Go to **Transform → Remove Columns** and select what to discard
  • Step 5: Rename columns
  1. Rename the varying sales columns to a consistent name (e.g., `Sales`)
  2. Use **Transform → Rename Column** to apply a uniform structure
  • Step 6: Remove unnecessary rows (e.g., repeated headers)
  1. Apply a filter on the column containing sales values
  2. Remove rows with repeated headers caused by merging files
  3. Go to **Transform → Remove Rows → Remove Duplicates**, or filter manually
  • Step 7: Enable automatic refresh
  1. Go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file**
  2. Optionally set automatic refresh every X minutes
  3. If a new file (e.g., *Sales_Apr.xlsx*) is added to the folder, Power Query will automatically include it upon refresh!

Task

  • ✔ Load and combine data from *Sales_Jan.xlsx*, *Sales_Feb.xlsx*, and *Sales_Mar.xlsx*
  • ✔ Standardize column names and format the data consistently
  • ✔ Remove empty rows, unnecessary columns, and duplicates
  • ✔ Set up auto-refresh so new files are included automatically
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT to optimize the M code in Power Query

Module 7: Optimizing Query Performance in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to speed up Power Query when working with large datasets
  • ✔ How to avoid inefficient operations that slow down queries
  • ✔ How to use buffering and database-level transformations
  • ✔ How to minimize the amount of data processed for better performance

Introduction

Power Query enables powerful data transformation, but with large datasets, performance can suffer. In this module, you will learn best practices to reduce query execution time.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Avoid unnecessary operations on the entire dataset
  1. Load a large CSV file: 📂Media:PQSales_Large.csv
  2. Check the number of rows and columns – the more data, the more important the optimization
  3. Remove unnecessary columns at the beginning of the query instead of the end
  4. Apply early filtering to reduce the number of rows right after import
  • Step 2: Use buffering (Table.Buffer)
  1. Understand how step-by-step processing works – each operation may cause Power Query to recalculate previous steps
  2. Add `Table.Buffer()` after the filter step to avoid re-processing:
let
Source = Csv.Document(File.Contents("C:\Users\gp\Desktop\PQ\Sales_Large.csv"),[Delimiter=",", Columns=6, Encoding=1252, QuoteStyle=QuoteStyle.None]),
FilteredRows = Table.SelectRows(Source, each [Cost] > 500),
BufferedData = Table.Buffer(FilteredRows)
in
BufferedData


Using `Table.Buffer()` ensures that the results are stored in memory and not recalculated at each step.

  • Step 3: Minimize the number of loaded rows
  1. When working with large databases or CSV files, load only the needed columns and rows
  2. Use **Keep Top Rows** to load e.g., the first 1000 rows for testing
  3. Apply **Remove Duplicates** early to reduce the volume of data being processed
  • Step 4: Optimize database connections
  1. If working with SQL Server, Power BI, or another database, avoid importing full tables into Power Query
  2. Instead, apply filtering and grouping on the database side using native SQL

Example:

let
Source = Sql.Database("ServerName", "DatabaseName", [Query="SELECT OrderID, OrderDate, Customer, Product FROM Sales WHERE Cost > 500"])
in
Source


This ensures Power Query pulls only the filtered data instead of processing the entire table in memory.

  • Step 5: Avoid "drill-down" operations on large datasets
  1. Power Query often suggests drill-downs (e.g., selecting a single value from a table)
  2. When working with large data, operate on whole tables instead of individual records
  • Step 6: Automatically refresh optimized queries
  1. Once optimized, configure the query to refresh regularly
  2. In Excel, go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file**

Task

  • Load the large CSV file (*PQSales_Large.csv*)
  • Limit the number of loaded rows and columns
  • Apply `Table.Buffer()` and observe performance improvements
  • If using a database, optimize your SQL query
  • Set up auto-refresh for the optimized query
  • Use ChatGPT to analyze performance and further optimize M code

Module 8: Creating Dynamic Reports and Dashboards in Excel with Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to use Power Query to dynamically generate reports
  • ✔ How to combine data from multiple sources into a single report
  • ✔ How to create interactive reports using PivotTables
  • ✔ How to automate report refreshing in Excel

Files Provided

The following files are used for this exercise:

Instructions

Step 1: Import and combine data sources

  1. Open Power Query in Excel
  2. Import the files: *PQ_Sales_Data.xlsx*, *PQ_Regions.xlsx*, and *PQ_Targets.xlsx*
  3. Merge the data using a common key – for example, the `Region` column
  4. Verify that the data is correctly combined and properly formatted

Step 2: Create a dynamic report

  1. Click **Close & Load To...** and select **Pivot Table**
  2. Insert the PivotTable in a new worksheet, using the Power Query output as the source
  3. In the PivotTable Fields pane, set:
 * Rows → `Region`  
 * Columns → `Month`  
 * Values → `Sum of Sales`

Check for accuracy and apply formatting to the table

Step 3: Add conditional formatting

  1. Select the `Sum of Sales` column in the PivotTable
  2. Go to **Conditional Formatting → Color Scales**
  3. Apply gradient colors to highlight low and high sales values
  4. Add a rule: “Greater than” and highlight values above the sales target (from *PQ_Targets.xlsx*) using:
=B5 > VLOOKUP($A5,Targets!$A$2:$B$8,2,0)

Step 4: Automate data refreshing

  1. Go to **Data → Query Properties → Refresh data when opening the file**
  2. Optionally set auto-refresh every X minutes
  3. Test the report by updating the source files and verifying that the report refreshes correctly

Task

  • ✔ Load and combine data from *PQ_Sales_Data.xlsx*, *PQ_Regions.xlsx*, and *PQ_Targets.xlsx*
  • ✔ Create a PivotTable and format it dynamically
  • ✔ Add conditional formatting based on sales targets
  • ✔ Set up automatic data refreshing
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT to analyze and optimize Power Query transformations

Summary: Modules 1–8

Objective

In this exercise, you will summarize all the key concepts learned so far in Power Query by performing a series of transformations on inventory and supplier data. You will apply data import, filtering, merging, column creation, custom functions, and query optimization.

Files Provided

The following files are used for this exercise:

Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Import data

  1. Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI
  2. Import the three CSV files: `PQ_inventory.csv`, `PQ_suppliers.csv`, `PQ_orders.csv`
  3. Make sure all datasets are loaded correctly

🔹 Step 2: Check and convert data types

  1. Ensure all columns in each dataset have correct data types
  2. Issue to solve: the `StockLevel` column was incorrectly imported as text because it contains units like `150 kg`, `200 l`, `75 pcs`
  3. Transform the `StockLevel` column to extract numeric values and store the unit in a new column `Unit`
  4. Verify that the `SupplierID` column is recognized as an integer

🔹 Step 3: Merge data

  1. Merge `PQ_inventory.csv` with `PQ_suppliers.csv` using the `SupplierID` key
  2. Use a **Left Outer Join** to retain all inventory records
  3. Then merge `PQ_orders.csv` with `PQ_inventory.csv` using the `ProductID` key
  4. Verify that supplier and order info have been successfully added to the inventory table

🔹 Step 4: Create custom columns

  1. Add a column `ReorderLevel` that flags products needing restocking when `StockLevel` is less than `MinimumStock`
  2. Add a column `DaysSinceLastOrder` that calculates the number of days since the last order for each product
  3. Create a custom M function that assigns order priority:
if [StockLevel] < [MinimumStock] and [DaysSinceLastOrder] > 30 then "High" 
else if [StockLevel] < [MinimumStock] then "Medium" 
else "Low"
  1. Add a column `OrderPriority` and apply this function

🔹 Step 5: Conditional filtering and transformations

  1. Remove products that have a `Discontinued` status
  2. Add a new column `SupplierRating` that classifies suppliers by reliability:
if [OnTimeDeliveryRate] < 80 then "Excellent" 
else if [OnTimeDeliveryRate] <= 90 then "Good" 
else "Poor"
  1. Verify that the rating logic works correctly

🔹 Step 6: Reshape the data structure

  1. Unpivot columns `Stock_Jan`, `Stock_Feb`, `Stock_Mar` into: `Product`, `Month`, `Stock Level`
  2. Split the `ProductDetails` column into `ProductName` and `Category`
  3. Merge the `SupplierName` and `Country` columns using `" - "` as a separator

🔹 Step 7: Query optimization

  1. Apply `Table.Buffer()` to improve performance
  2. Remove unused columns and duplicates at the beginning of the transformations, not at the end
  3. If working with large data, limit the loaded rows to a test sample of 1000

🔹 Step 8: Export results

  1. Load the final query as a table into Excel
  2. Test data refresh by updating source files
  3. Set up auto-refresh for the query

Task

  • ✔ Complete all the steps listed above
  • ✔ Experiment with both the graphical interface and M code
  • ✔ Apply query optimization to improve performance
  • ✔ Ensure all transformations are correct and results are as expected
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT for troubleshooting or optimizing your M script

Module 9: Importing and Analyzing PDF Files in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to import data from PDF files into Power Query
  • ✔ How to transform data and perform analysis on business reports
  • ✔ How to visualize results and draw insights from reports

Files Provided

The following PDF reports are used in this exercise:

Instructions

🔹 Task 1: Sales Report Analysis

  1. Calculate total sales for all products
  2. Identify the product with the highest and lowest sales
  3. Compute the average transaction value based on transaction count and total sales
  4. Group data by region and calculate total sales per region
  5. Create a pivot table showing sales by region and product

🔹 Task 2: Employee Attendance Report Analysis

  1. Calculate the average attendance rate across all departments
  2. Identify the department with the highest and lowest attendance
  3. Add a new column classifying attendance into categories:
    1. High: above 95%
    2. Medium: 85%–95%
    3. Low: below 85%
  4. Filter the data to show only employees with low attendance
  5. Create a bar chart showing average attendance by department

🔹 Task 3: Customer Feedback Report Analysis

  1. Calculate the average customer rating on a 1–5 scale
  2. Count how many customers gave a rating of 1 or 5
  3. Generate a summary report of the most frequent positive and negative comments
  4. Sort the data by customer rating from lowest to highest
  5. Create a pie chart showing the distribution of customer ratings

Summary

  • ✔ Complete the analysis tasks for each report separately
  • ✔ Apply filtering, sorting, and grouping operations
  • ✔ Use pivot tables to aggregate data
  • ✔ Visualize results using charts in Excel or Power BI
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT if you encounter difficulties during analysis

Module 10: Importing and Analyzing Web Data in Power Query

Objective

In this module, you will learn:

  • ✔ How to import data from statistical tables available on Wikipedia into Power Query
  • ✔ How to transform and analyze data about countries of the world
  • ✔ How to visualize comparison results in Excel or Power BI

Data Sources

In this exercise, we’ll use real tabular data about countries of the world imported directly from Wikipedia. These include:

  • 📊 **Surface area of countries** 🌍
  • 📊 **Population by country** 👥
  • 📊 **Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by country** 💰

Sources:

Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Import data from Wikipedia

  1. Open Power Query in Excel or Power BI
  2. Choose **Get Data → From Web**
  3. Enter the URL of one of the Wikipedia pages above
  4. Once the available tables are loaded, select the one containing statistical data (e.g., country area, population, or GDP)
  5. Click **Load to Power Query** to begin transforming the data

🔹 Step 2: Transform and clean the data

  1. **Remove unnecessary columns**, keeping only those relevant for analysis
  2. **Change data types** so that numbers are correctly interpreted (e.g., `Area` as number, `GDP` as currency)
  3. **Remove empty values** and correct any errors
  4. **Rename columns** to clearer names, such as `Country`, `Area (km²)`, `Population`, `GDP (billion USD)`

🔹 Step 3: Analyze and compare countries

  1. **Calculate population density** by adding a new column with the formula:
Population Density = Population / Area  
  1. **Sort countries by GDP** to identify the richest and poorest nations
  2. **Compare area and population** to find the largest, smallest, and most populated countries
  3. **Apply filtering** to display only selected continents or world regions

🔹 Step 4: Visualize the results

  1. Create a **pivot table** in Excel to compare area, population, and GDP
  2. Insert a **bar chart** to show the largest economies
  3. Use a **heat map** to illustrate population density by region
  4. Add **conditional formatting** to highlight countries with extreme statistical values

Task

  • ✔ Import world country data from Wikipedia into Power Query
  • ✔ Transform and clean the data to make it analysis-ready
  • ✔ Calculate population density and other statistical indicators
  • ✔ Create charts and comparison tables in Excel or Power BI
  • ✔ Use ChatGPT if you encounter issues during import or analysis