Making the spreadsheet more readable with borders
To separate cells from each other and create different areas within a spreadsheet, you can use cell borders.
Getting ready
You can use the same basic dashboard as in the previous examples.
How to do it...
- Select the cell(s) you want to add a border to and right-click on it.
- Now select Format cells....
- Go to the Border tab.
- Select the desired style of the border line.
- Select on which side(s) of the cell(s) the border should appear.
- Click on OK.
There's more...
We will now discuss three more topics regarding spreadsheet borders: using the toolbar border button, using multiple worksheets, and placing Excel logic within the spreadsheet.
Using the toolbar border button
Instead of right-clicking on the cells and using the Format Cells option, you can also use the Border button on the toolbar to adjust the border styles for a cell or a group of cells. You can find this button in the Font section of the Home tab. If you select the cell(s) and click on this button, a list of options will be shown, which you can choose from.
Using multiple worksheets
You can use borders to split data within a spreadsheet. But if your dashboard contains data from a lot of different (functional) areas, it is recommended that you split your spreadsheet into several worksheets. This will help you to keep your dashboard maintainable.
A good strategy to split up the spreadsheet is to divide your data in different areas that correspond to certain layers or tabs that you created on the dashboard canvas. You can also use separate sheets for each external data connection. Give each worksheet a meaningful name.
Placing your Excel logic wisely
Another general guideline is to place as many cells with Excel logic and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards interactivity functionality at the top left of the spreadsheet. This place is easy to reach without a lot of annoying scrolling and searching. Even more importantly, your dataset may grow (vertically and/or horizontally) over time. This can be a risk especially when you are using an external data connection and you don't want your logic to be overwritten. For example, if you use a column summation, place it at the top of the column instead of the bottom. This way, if you need to add another value to the list of cells to be summed, you can add it to the bottom without having to shift down the formula cell.
