Data-Driven Business Optimization with Excel and External Data Sources

Technologies Used: Microsoft Excel, Scenario Manager, Solver, Data Tables, Flash Fill, Text Functions, XML, Access Database

● Built a comprehensive decision support system using Excel’s forecasting and optimization tools, including data tables, Scenario Manager, and Solver, to analyze business scenarios and recommend optimal solutions.
● Integrated multiple external data sets by importing XML, text files, and establishing a live connection to an Access database to enrich analysis with real-world, structured data.
● Utilized Flash Fill and advanced text functions to efficiently cleanse and standardize imported datasets, improving accuracy in reporting and forecasting.
● Applied text-to-columns wizards and string manipulation functions to separate and reformat complex data structures into usable formats.
● Demonstrated the value of clean data by transforming raw inputs into meaningful insights, enabling informed business decision-making through visualization and modeling.
● Highlighted the strategic importance of sourcing and leveraging external data to enhance internal analytics and drive actionable results.