⚙️ Settings Sheet
The Settings sheet is the configuration area of the template. It allows you to customize the structure before entering any project data.
• This sheet contains predefined lists for Projects, Tasks, and Managers.
• These lists are connected to dropdown menus in the Project Data sheet.
• Updating these lists ensures consistent data entry and prevents spelling errors.
• You can add new projects, tasks, or managers at the bottom of each list.
• Do not leave blank rows within the lists, as this may affect dropdown functionality.
• Avoid renaming the sheet or deleting headers to maintain proper formula connections.
This sheet only needs to be updated when you want to customize or expand your system.
📋 Project Data Sheet
The Project Data sheet is the main input area of the template. Every row represents a single task and feeds the Dashboard and Gantt Chart automatically.
• Select the Project name from the dropdown menu.
• Select the Task name from the dropdown menu.
• Choose the responsible Manager.
• Enter the Start Date of the task.
• Enter the Duration in days.
• The End Date is calculated automatically (if formulas are enabled).
• Enter the number of Days Completed to track progress.
• The Progress percentage is calculated automatically based on completed days divided by total duration.
• Enter the planned Budget for the task.
• Enter the Actual cost spent so far.
Important usage guidelines:
• Do not delete or modify formula cells.
• Do not change the table headers.
• Always use valid date formats.
• Update progress and actual costs regularly to keep reports accurate.
All dashboard charts and timeline visuals update automatically based on this sheet.
📈 Dashboard Sheet
The Dashboard sheet provides a high-level visual summary of your projects. It is fully automated and does not require manual data entry.
• Displays overall project performance metrics.
• Shows task completion percentages.
• Compares Budget vs Actual spending.
• Highlights manager performance.
• Provides visual charts and KPI indicators for quick insights.
• Updates automatically when changes are made in the Project Data sheet.
This sheet is designed for reporting, presentations, and performance analysis.
📅 Gantt Chart
The Gantt Chart sheet provides a timeline view of all tasks across projects. It visually represents scheduling and progress.
• Displays tasks across a calendar timeline.
• Shows task start and end dates visually.
• Highlights planned task duration.
• Indicates completed portion of each task.
• Helps identify delays or overlapping tasks.
• Updates automatically based on Project Data entries.
This sheet is ideal for monitoring project timelines and workload distribution.
🔄 Recommended Workflow
To use the template effectively:
• First, customize project names, tasks, and managers in the Settings sheet.
• Second, enter all task details in the Project Data sheet.
• Third, review insights in the Dashboard sheet.
• Finally, monitor timelines in the Gantt Chart sheet.
Once data is entered, refresh it and everything else updates automatically.
Got a question about the product? Email us at support@flevy.com or ask the author directly by using the "Ask the Author a Question" form. If you cannot view the preview above this document description, go here to view the large preview instead.
Source: Best Practices in Project Management Excel: Excel Project Management Dashboard Excel (XLSX) Spreadsheet, Improve Your Excel
|
Receive our FREE presentation on Operational Excellence
This 50-slide presentation provides a high-level introduction to the 4 Building Blocks of Operational Excellence. Achieving OpEx requires the implementation of a Business Execution System that integrates these 4 building blocks. |