Power Query can make recurring data preparation less manual, but a refresh should still be checked. A stable workflow begins with a known input structure and makes unexpected changes easy to notice.
Before transforming
- Confirm the source owner, file period, and expected columns.
- Check data types, blanks, duplicate keys, and inconsistent labels.
- Keep original files unchanged and use a controlled test copy.
During the query
Apply clear, ordered steps. Give important steps understandable names and handle nulls or exceptional values intentionally. Keep a reviewable exception output instead of silently dropping rows that do not fit the expected pattern.
After refresh
Compare row counts and totals with an independent control. Verify the reporting period, unmatched identifiers, and sample records. If an input format changes, investigate before distributing the report.
Tool behavior can vary by version and data source. Confirm the current application setup and organizational policies before connecting a workflow to business data.