Database Best Practices

Using Databases is Essential to getting the most out of Excel. They are also quite often abused. It always amazes me how many otherwise gifted Excel users make Fundamental Errors when it comes to the proper use of databases. It is for this reason that today’s blog is precisely focused on the Three Best Practices for working with Databases.

Other Excel authors may go on and on about several ways to make your data more accessible. If, however, you follow the following Indispensable Guidelines, you will be in excellent shape to slice and dice your data into Meaningful Information:

1. Do Not Mix Data with Calculated Fields
     a. Use a reporting page for any calculation

2. Avoid Blank Records
     a. Zero or N/A is better than blank

3. Break Down or Parse Your Information into the Smallest Discreet Portions Reasonable
     a. Use the Text-To-Column tool if needed

By following these Easily-Adapted practices when building your databases, you will be more readily able to use Pivot Tables, Boolean Functions, and other Excel Magic to extract the information you want. It all starts with Database Best Practices!

Cheers!