What is meant by Data Consolidation and What are some examples in which you might want to consolidate data?
Data consolidation is a term used to define the process of summarizing large quantities of information, usually in the form of spreadsheets, into one large worksheet that reflects all of the involved data. Data consolidation is generally performed by a computer, the most common form being with Microsoft Excel, which contains an automated tool used for data consolidation.Data consolidation is a process that takes various cells of data from across an entire spreadsheet and compiles them into another sheet. This is an automated system that saves the user time from having to go and record each cell of data from various reference points and manually enter them into the desired places on the new sheet, making it much easier to re-arrange, format and organize large quantities of information in a short amount of time.Example:Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Excel offers a tool that allows users to consolidate data between various worksheets to form a larger, more organized summary of all your sheets. Microsoft Excel's data consolidation tool also allows users to consolidate data from more than one Excel file, allowing the user to summarize data sheets into one easy to read spreadsheet.Share the same range of informationIn order for the various computer programs to consolidate data from multiple worksheets and files, each file and worksheet must meet certain requirements.Each worksheet needs to share the same range of information in both axis's. This will allow the program to calculate how each cell of data corresponds with the data in other pages and worksheets.Once the ranges have been tailored to match the various worksheets, the program will generate a new worksheet summarizing all of the data.Who Uses Data Consolidation?Many different occupations can use data consolidation to better organize their work and make them more proficient.qqTeachers can use data consolidation to summarize all of their classes grades for various projects into one solid summary of assignment, topics and tests to see where the classes are struggling the most.qqDoctors can use data consolidation to keep track of patients and drugs along with various treatments.qqVendors can even use data consolidation to track which stores are selling which products and how much profit they are turning.