Project Checklist

iDataDrew · ‎08-08-2017

Who doesn't love KPI icons in tables? They provide instant feedback on performance metrics, alerting us to a job well done or for the need of further action. Either way, they help us to better manage our portfolio.

One of the most powerful aspects of MS Power BI Desktop, the DAX formula language, allows us to incorporate these KPI's into reports with the use of the UNICHAR() function. With this function, we can make use of the numerous Unicode icons available for a number of different contexts. What's more, by utilizing dynamic functions like SWITCH(), we're able to display the appropriate KPI based on a number of conditions.

With our Project Checklist, you can stop worrying about all the manual steps that go into checking off the start and finish performance of your projects. If a project's start or finish is on-time, then the green box with the check mark will display. If a project's start or finish is late, then the box with an x will display. Missing dates? The question mark alerts you to that. Is the start or finish in the future? The blank cell will remind you. The % Complete column adds further necessary insight into project performance.

The data insights don't stop there, however. Additional KPI's and visuals above the table provide summary statistics of your project data. The stacked bar charts let you know how many projects started/finished on time, started/finished late, are missing dates, or have future dates. These are aggregated on a program basis, allowing you to cross-filter the table by clicking on one of the bars.

Here's an image of a slightly different approach to this report. Instead of using Unicode, we used color formatting.

This report is one of many reports developed by the ShareAdvance team. We partner with companies utilizing Microsoft Project Server and Project Online to snapshot their project data and then bring it into Power BI to create highly insightful and actionable reports like this Project Checklist. Let us know how we can help meet your project analytics needs. You can find out more by visiting www.ShareAdvance.com.

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nkelley · ‎01-25-2018

Hello,

I am trying to create a chcklist through PowerBI for project completion status, is there a way to do so?

Thank you,

Nick

nkelley · ‎01-25-2018

Hello,

I am trying to figure out a way to create a project checklist in PowerBI, is there a way to do so?

Vosaxalo · ‎08-09-2017

Hi,

thank you for the very useful example.

I have just a question about the fact that I see the Unicode icons only in black & white, and not coloured as in your screenshot.

Here a screenshot of what I see:

Unicode icons without colours

Have you any idea on why?

Thank you

iDataDrew · ‎08-09-2017

Hi @Vosaxalo, thanks for the question. I've actually seen this before. I think it has to do with using different browsers and/or browser versions. I typically use Chrome. What browser are you using?

Regards,

Drew

Vosaxalo · ‎08-10-2017

Hi,

yes, I agree that this could depend on the browser and/or the operating system.

In the meantime, I have tried on my system with Windows 7 and different browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Vivaldi, IE11, and the icons are always black and white.

Then I have tried on my system with Windows 10 and different browsers: IE11, Edge, Chrome, and this time only IE11 has the icons without colors.

I don't know if there is a workaround, but this is the situation.

Regards

Nicola