This guide explains how to load, clean, and understand data exported from Dashpivot using Power Query Editor. The data originates from Dashpivot forms, is synced to Flowsite, and then exported as CSV file for reporting.
It’s designed for all experience levels and helps you prepare Flowsite data for analysis. By following this process, you can prevent common data errors, structure your dataset correctly, and ensure reliable transformations.
Prerequisites
Before you begin make sure you have the following:
Plan: All Plan Types
Skills Required: Data transformation using Power Query
Device Type: Computer/Browser
Subscription: Flowsite, Dashpivot, Excel/Power BI
Step 1 — Connect your Flowsite data source
Open Power Query Editor from Excel/Power BI
In the Connect to data source window. Enter your username and password from Flowsite.
Once connected, your data loads automatically.
Step 2 — Use the first row as column headers
In Excel/Power BI, go to Data → Get Data → Launch Power Query Editor.
In Power Query Editor, click Use First Row as Headers so your column names display correctly.
In the Query Settings pane on the right, remove Changed Type in Applied Steps.
(This prevents errors caused by dashes in numeric or date fields.)
Step 3 — Understand your data structure
Data recorded in Dashpivot forms determines how it appears in Flowsite exports.
Each form has a unique Form ID (see the Form ID column).
Repeated rows: A form with multiple entries/rows will repeat top-level fields (expected behavior).
Single row: Forms without tables (or with one entry) appear once.
If a Form ID repeats, it contains multiple entries (rows), not just table data.
Note: Multiple rows can come from table fields, photos, or any multi-entry field—not just tables.
Step 4 — Fix common errors before changing types
For number or date columns:
Flowsite uses a dash (—) or (blank) for blank values. Replace these before converting column types.
If a field (e.g. date, time, or number) is not required in Dashpivot and left blank, it will appear as a dash in Flowsite exports. This can cause errors during type conversion.
To fix this:
Select the column.
Use the column filter to identify blanks or dash (
-) values.Go to Transform → Replace Values.
Replace
—or-with blank (null) or0.Then set the correct data type.
Tip: It is suggested to reassess how you want to process your data from Dashpivot. Make the field set to required in order not to have blank or dash cells.
How field types export
Single-entry field: Repeats across all rows in a form
Table field: One row per entry
Signature field: One row per form (use Fill Down if needed)
Photo field: One row per photo (includes location, file path, timestamp)
Multiple-entry text: Single row
Workflow/status: One value per form
FAQs
Why are rows repeated?
Because the form contains multiple table entries—this is expected.
Why do I get errors when changing column types?
Dashes (—) or (blanks) must be replaced before conversion.
Why does the signature appear only once?
It exports once per form. Replace blanks with null first (Transform → Replace Values, leave “Value to find” empty, set “Replace with” to null), then use Fill Down to apply it to all rows.
How do I count photos in a form?
Count rows with the same Form ID that include a file path.
What data is included with each photo?
File path, GPS coordinates, capture date/time, and tags.