How to connect your data to the sales analysis dashboard in Power BI


Step 1: Install Power BI on Windows
Download and install the Power BI application from the Microsoft Store. Please note that Power BI is currently unavailable for macOS. If you are using a Mac, you can install Windows on your Mac via VMWare, UTM, or Parallels virtual machine. There are several tutorials available on YouTube, such as this one, that can guide you through the installation process.

Step 2: Prepare Dashboard and Data
  • Download the sample dashboard "NanoErpSales.zip" and unzip it.
  • Place the unzipped files in a folder, for example, C:\powerbi.
  • Create a new folder named C:\powerbi.data in the same directory. This is where you will upload your data.

Step 3: Obtain Marginal Revenue Report
In the Nano application, generate the "Marginal Revenue" report for the desired year. Ensure that you choose the "Without grouping" mode to include all necessary fields for the dashboard. Save the report results in CSV format and place the file in the C:\powerbi.data folder.

Step 4: Open the Dashboard in Power BI
  • Double-click on the file C:\powerbi\NanoErpSales.pbix to open the dashboard in Power BI.
  • Navigate to Home -> Queries -> Transform data.
  • Choose Data source settings. In the dialog box, click the Change Source button and select the C:\powerbi.data folder.
  • Click the Close button to update the report data.

Step 5: Adjust Date Format (if needed)
If your CSV file has a date format different from mm/dd/YYYY (English United States), follow these steps:
  • In the Home -> Queries -> Transform data menu, select Transform data.
  • On the Queries panel, choose Order.
  • In the APPLIED STEPS panel, select the last step "Changed Type with Locale 1."
  • Click on the gear icon in this row, and adjust the value of the "Locale" field to match your date format.
  • Click "Ok" and then "Close & Apply" to save the changes.

Your Power BI dashboard is now connected to your custom data, providing you with an interactive Sales Analysis experience.