Mastering Pivot Tables: Making Sense of EV Charger Data

12 Dec 2024

When people hear the term “Pivot Table,” the first thought might be rows and columns, charts, or business reports. As technical as it sounds, it’s not just for analysts buried in data all day—it benefits anyone handling data, regardless of role or status. Let's take a moment to think beyond that. How often do we realize the deeper value of tools like pivot tables? They don’t just process data; they simplify complexities, untangle chaos, and help us make sense of it all.

In today’s data-driven world, data is everywhere—whether in the form of budgets, sales figures, daily expenses, or for a company like ours, dealing with EV charger messages,
 the massive amounts of OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) logs an EV charger shares with its Charge Station Management System (CSMS).

The challenge has never been the abundance of data, but how to make sense of it. How do we look at thousands of log records or performance metrics and find what truly matters? Pivot tables don’t judge whether you’re an expert or a beginner. They’re just there, ready to help you make sense of it all, one summary at a time.

What Is a Pivot Table?

To put is in simple terms, Pivot is a tool that helps to summarize data
Thinking about the places where it has helped me summarize data of EV charger network: Large reports showing energy consumption, errors, revenue, and more. A pivot table takes this raw information and organizes it so you can see patterns and trends at a glance.

Cluttered Data


Organized Data Using Pivot Table

Why Pivot Tables Matter

Let’s shift focus for a moment. Why do pivot tables matter so much? It is not just because they save time and make analysis easier. Ultimately, because pivot tables enable you to make informed decisions.

For instance, EV charger operators manage multiple stations across cities. Every log entry—be it charging session details, faults, or idle times—tells a story. Which locations are over-utilized? Which stations frequently face downtime? Which models are outperforming others? A pivot table doesn’t just give answers; it offers confidence to act on them.

A pivot table can be used to analyze the reports generated by the CSMS to determine which chargers were generating the most revenue. It didn’t just save time—it gave me clarity. You may wonder how this could help me. This information is crucial while choosing the location to place the next charger or when a CPO thinks about upgrading or replacing an existing charger.

How to Create a Pivot Table

Creating a pivot table is simpler than it sounds—it’s like assembling a puzzle. You start with the edges (your rows and columns), add the center (your values), and then refine it with filters and formats.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean Your Data: Organizing data is the first step. Ensure that column headings are clear, there are no blank rows, and values are consistent.

  1. Insert the Pivot Table:

2.1. Select your data

2.2. Go to the “Insert” tab, and click “Pivot Table.”

2.3. Decide whether to place it in a new worksheet or an existing one.

  1. Drag and Drop Fields:

And there you have it—a tool that turns complexity into simplicity.

Beyond Basics: Unlocking Advanced Features

Once you’ve mastered the basics, pivot tables have even more to offer:

  • Slicers: Add interactive filters, allowing you to switch between data views with a single click.

  • Conditional Formatting: Highlight trends or outliers using color scales, icons, or data bars to draw attention to critical insights.

These advanced features transform pivot tables from simple summaries into dynamic dashboards.

Where Do I Use Pivot Table in my Daily Life?

Finally, coming to everyday application, Pivot Table made a huge difference in easing my work, when I started using them for the following:

  1. OCPP Log Analysis: Helps me identify frequent faults, monitor charging station uptime, and analyze session durations.

  2. Performance Tracking: Compare energy consumption and revenue across locations.

  3. Planning: Preparing test plans for a sprint.
    Testcase Management: Managing test cases in various sheets and drawing insights about pass and failure statuses

The possibilities are endless. Wherever there’s data, pivot tables are your ally.

Pivot Tables are always your close allies when it comes to data, as much it is any ally it requires quite a bit of resources to draw insights from.

 

Haripriya R

Haripriya R

Graduate Analyst

Graduate Analyst

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Connect with me

We are located at

India

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Contact

talkto@steam-a.com

+91 99444 33392

+44 74034 56793

We are located at

India

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Contact

talkto@steam-a.com

+91 99444 33392

+44 74034 56793

We are located at

India

United Kingdom

Netherlands