Do you export data from Microsoft Dynamics CRM into Excel so that you can slice, dice and analyze it? While this does work, it is time consuming and prone to errors, it can’t easily be shared and the data is quickly out of date.
There is a better way to analyze data, with the flexibility of Microsoft Excel, right inside Microsoft Dynamics CRM using Filter Panels in the AbleBridge Editable CRM Grid tool.
This add on tool allows for inline editing, grouping and calculations and turns Dynamics CRM forms into Excel-like grids. But many people do not realize how valuable it can be to go a step further using Filter Panels.
What is a Filter Panel?
Picture an Excel spreadsheet and above the cells you have 10 fields, which are basically parameters. If you point and click and change the fields the results in the spreadsheet below will automatically change and reflect the information with the new parameters. In this way you can slice and dice information any way you like.
Now picture that this data is actually a page in Dynamics CRM, in an editable grid format, with filter panels across the top.
Using Filter Panels to Analyze Sales Data
What if you wanted quickly to see a list of opportunities in Dynamics CRM with total sales filtered by territory.
Using EditAble CRM Grid with Filter Panels, the fields at the top of the Dynamics CRM screen could be set to show Worldwide Sales and Territories. Without any fields filled in, you would see all the worldwide opportunities within the grid. A big laundry list of them.
But, let's say you want to look only at North America. Click the filter and the data will adjust to show all the opportunities within North America.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Then let's say that you also wanted to drill down into two specific regions. You could set the region filter to Great Lakes and South Central, and now you have a list of those opportunities. But more importantly, within the filter panel, you can roll up the total opportunity count, by group, by region. So you would see Great Lakes bolded, and then you would see all the opportunities but you would also see at that regional level the total pipeline including whatever totals or subtotals you would want to roll up. And the same for South Central.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
If you find information that is outdated, you can make quick changes, without opening the actual account record because you are using the Filter Panel on an EditAble CRM Grid.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The examples above are from a pre-built set of Filter Panels in the AbleBridge Sales Pipeline Management tool.
But Filter Panels can be applied to anything in Dynamics CRM, not just sales data. You can analyze any scenario imaginable.
For example, you can apply Filter Panels to manufacturing parts. You can change parameters to find out find out how much inventory you have on hand, sorted by specific types and locations.
Filter Panels are completely interactive. Anytime any parameters change, the data on the screen is updated accordingly. And all the data analysis stays within Microsoft Dynamics CRM, so the information is always up to date and available to all Dynamics CRM users.
Leave the Excel spreadsheets for the Finance team, and do your analysis within Microsoft Dynamics CRM with Filter Panels.
For more information on adding Filter Panels in your Microsoft Dynamics CRM contact AbleBridge, 877-600-2253 or info@ablebridge.com.
By AbleBridge, Massachusetts Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner, www.ablebridge.com
Twitter: @AbleBridge
The post Stop Exporting, Analyze Data Inside Dynamics CRM with Filter Panels appeared first on CRM Software Blog.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.