In our latest session, the team dove deep into Microsoft Copilot and Power Query in Power BI & Excel, exploring tools that transform how we work with data. From AI-driven assistance to hands-on query transformations, here’s a look at the key takeaways.

💡 Microsoft Copilot in Action

We kicked things off with a discussion about Microsoft Copilot, its features, and subscription costs. At $26.78 per month per user, Copilot integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps, but it requires files to be saved in OneDrive for full AI functionality.

👉 Takeaway: Copilot can be a game-changer for productivity, but planning around licensing and storage setup is essential.

📊 Power Query: Combining Excel Data Like a Pro

The session then shifted to Power Query operations. We explored:

• How to load data from multiple sheets or tables across different workbooks.

• Using the Combine and Transform Data feature (ensuring consistent column structures).

• Leveraging Append Queries to pull everything together.

👉 Takeaway: Consistency is key—Power Query shines when data formats align.

📝 Hands-On with Data Transformation

The team rolled up their sleeves with PDF invoices and Excel files, practicing:

• Extracting specific values using Columns from Example ✨

• Removing unnecessary columns and setting correct data types 🔍

• Aggregating with Group By for better insights 📊

Practical troubleshooting tips helped handle file format issues and large datasets.

🔗 Power BI Data Consolidation & CSV Merging

We then explored how to bring it all together in Power BI:

• Validating timesheets and checking for missing submissions.

• Merging Excel and CSV files using common columns.

• Automating VLOOKUP & HLOOKUP logic with Merge Queries.

• Applying conditional formulas, like multiplying unit prices when tariffs apply.

👉 Takeaway: Merge Queries simplify complex lookups and unlock automation.

🤝 Merge & Fuzzy Matching

Finally, we looked at fuzzy matching—a flexible option for name-based lookups. While helpful, the best practice is to rely on IDs for accuracy. Students were encouraged to keep practicing with:

• Append

• Combine

• Group By

📅 Next up: A deep dive into Merge and Unpivot features on Wednesday the 22nd, followed by a Fabric class for mastering large datasets.

🌟 Final Thoughts

From AI-powered assistance with Microsoft Copilot to hands-on Power Query and Power BI mastery, this session empowered learners with tools to tackle real-world data challenges.

🔥 Whether you’re managing invoices, consolidating timesheets, or preparing datasets for advanced reporting, these skills are stepping stones to becoming a true data hero.

👉 Ready to practice?

• 🎓 Join a Free Demo Class

• 📘 Enroll in Our Power BI Course