How do I make my power query automation more dynamic?

Copper Contributor

JackFrench11_0-1714063387158.png

 

I have created an automation using power query where it'll fetch data from a workbook called "Data". I have manipulated the data to achieve my desired table format. The table's final columns are: Vendor Name, Contract #, and (after pivoting the columns) the Total Amount Outstanding for the years 2019-2024 (6 separate columns). The problem I am running into is that some of my input, "Data", workbooks only have years 2019-2023 while some have years 2020-2024. Since the initial data file I constructed my table around contained the years 2019-2024, any file I load into the table that does not include the same years reports an error message saying something like: "The column 2024 of the table was not found". I know these sorts of things work great with standardized datasets but in this case, my years will fluctuate by one or two. How can I make my table more dynamic so that regardless of whether the file contains the same years (2019-2024) or different (i.e., 2019-2023, 2020-2024, etc...) it will still read it in and perform my desired formatting without any error messages?

 
2 Replies

@JackFrench11 

https://youtu.be/Rbkbr89cuHo

 

1.Use Power Query to cleanse your data, combine data, format data.

2. Normalize your data

Compartmentalize your transaction table from your lookup tables

Create a calendar table

3. Create a data model relationships to your transaction table to your lookup tables

4. Create a Pivot table using power pivot

5. Within the data model editor is where you can create your measures

 

 

Did you use "Choose Columns" button? the M code generated by that button is just rubbish. Bettor paste the code here if you want it cleaned.