---
title: "Drill Plods v2.1 PowerBI Dashboard"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/2222915585/Drill%20Plods%20v2.1%20PowerBI%20Dashboard"
format: markdown
---
# This guide offers a comprehensive overview of automated solutions for importing drill plods and drilling contract data into DataShed, streamlining a previously tedious process. It highlights the benefits of using automated imports and a PowerBI dashboard for efficient data analysis and reporting. Users will find valuable insights into performance metrics, cost summaries, and error reporting, making it an essential resource for optimizing drilling operations and enhancing data management.

# Automated drill plods imports

Traditionally, importing drill plods and associated drilling contract data into DataShed5 required manual setup of import layouts—a process that could be time-consuming and error-prone.  
To streamline this, **maxgeo** has developed automated solutions that simplify data ingestion and provide enhanced visibility through a dedicated **Power BI dashboard** for data interrogation and review.

#### **Import Options**

Drill plods and drilling contract data can now be imported into DataShed5 using the following methods:

**Manual Import**  
The original method using predefined import layouts remains supported for users who prefer manual control.

**Automated CSV Import via Email**  
CSV files received via email can be automatically processed and imported, reducing manual handling.

**Automated API Import (On-Demand)**  
Data can be pulled directly from contractor APIs, enabling real-time or scheduled imports with minimal intervention.

# Data Handling

The most common types of data supplied on drill plods are supported but the solution can handle most additional types of data.

- Drilled meters
- Time based items
- Consumables
- Staff hours
- Downhole survey

  
**Costs** are calculated using the schedule of rates derived from the contract(s) governing the drilling program.  
Associated **library tables** are updated when new options are found.  
Associated **contract items** are added when not originally in the Contract file with a cost of 0.

# Error reporting

The **client and maxgeo hosted DBA** will be notified of the following errors:

- Foreign key conflicts
- Check constraint conflicts
- NULL value inserted into a Not Null column.
- Data type conversion errors
- Data truncation errors
- Any mapping issue (implies the source file or target table structure has been changed) The **maxgeo DBA** will be notified of any other types of errors  
The **maxgeo service desk** will be notified of errors caused by causes other than mapping or source data

# Drilling Invoicing Data

Data from drilling invoices can be captured into Excel or CSV files and either imported manually or using the csv import automation process as long as invoice importing templates have been provided and these have been mapped and configured as part of the automation process  
If manually imported, the data needs to be imported from Excel files using DataShed5 import functionality  
The invoice data needs to be broken down by cost code to allow each Contract Item to be comparable with an invoices amount.

# The Drill Plods Dashboard


## Opening the Report

- Login to DataShed5
- Go down to Dashboards
- Under Dashboard Select, click on Drilling Management and then on Drill Plod Data.  
The report will now open in the main window.  
You can return to DataShed5 at any stage by picking any of the other options from the DataShed5 menu.

![image](media://36459de0-cbc3-45dd-afe6-55d8c4f334f0)

You can open Menu page by clicking Menu button in top left corner of each page.  
The report is divided into three sections. Tenement, Performance and Other.  
In the **Tenement** section you can slice information based on Tenement/Lease for government reporting purposes.  
In the **Performance** section you do the same based on Rig and Hole ID to check rig- and program performance.  
In the **Other** section you will find the Help menu and the Invoice reconciliation dashboard.

![image](media://42389159-400b-4830-9cf4-a3739a56334b)

Drill PLOD - DQ now has a live connection to the DataShed5 MDS. This is demonstrated on the **Help** page as shown below.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 0 (1).jpeg](media://4fb9f567-9195-455d-bb20-d9025743a542)

> ⚠️ <span style="color: #7f1d1d">**Note:**</span><span style="color: #7f1d1d"> While the Direct Query version of Drill PLODs provides live access to your data, there may be a performance impact with charts and tables taking longer to load.</span>

# Filtering the Report

There are several ways you can adjust what you see on the various report pages.  
Report objects are generally dynamic and via in-built relationships they will filter corresponding data and objects on the report.  
Other options are **Slicers** and **Filters**  
***Slicers*** *are dropdowns that allow you to quickly filter the report results. Slicers may allow you to pick more than one option. Picking items from a Slicer may impact what options are available in other slicers.*  
**Main Filters**  
We have multiple filters in the Report.  
**Tenement**

- Date [Year/Month/Week]
- DataSet
- Lease_ID

**Performance**

- Date [Year/Month/Week]
- DataSet
- Hole_ID
- Rig

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 2.jpeg](media://0665c711-391e-4822-be7a-3516ff5e4029)

> ℹ️ **Important!** These filters will synchronise across the whole report.


# Charts & Tables

Hovering the mouse over the graph, you will see an additional menu. Important! Some of the features may be available depending on the chart.

![image](media://d0adaae6-6385-456f-b96a-f585d33b7337)

# Other Report Basics

Power BI reports use an **independent data source connection** and do **not** apply any filters or selected DataSets configured within DataShed5. Filtering within Power BI is controlled solely by **active slicers and filters** available in the report interface.

Please note that the **default report** has been designed for the **standard MDS configuration**. Some client-specific customisations—including data structures—may not be reflected or supported in the current setup.

#### **Feedback and Support**

We welcome all feedback. Please forward any suggestions or issues to the **maxgeo Service Desk** for review and potential inclusion in future updates.

#### **Exporting Reports**

Currently, Power BI reports do **not** include a direct export option. To export data or visualisations:

- Use the **Drill PLOD – Paginated Report**, which supports export functionality.
- Refer to the next section of this slide for available output options.
- To print the current report page, use the **Print** button located at the top-left corner. For best results, select **Landscape orientation**.
- Alternatively, you can use standard **screen capture tools** to take snapshots of the report after applying the desired slicers and filters. These can be used in emails or external reports.

![image](media://81087ef9-2f1d-491b-87a2-48b97240c45a)

> 📝 The report now reads unit settings (Metres or Feet) directly from **tblSYSParam** and automatically updates chart headings to match the configured measurement units.

> 📝 The units displayed in tables and tooltips (m/ft) cannot be updated dynamically and are now shown generically as **“Units.”**
> 📝 
> 📝 The correct measurement unit can be confirmed using the **left‑hand label** displayed alongside each chart.

# Reports

### **Drilling Summary Report**

This report provides a comprehensive overview of drilling activity, including:

- **Total Drilled Holes**  
The number of holes completed within the selected timeframe.
- **Total Drilling Hours**  
The cumulative hours spent on drilling operations.
- **Total Drilled Meters**  
The total depth drilled, segmented by **Hole Type** and **Year/Month**.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 3.jpeg](media://0a71533f-9afe-431a-9c3c-da226551a920)

### **Drilling Cost Summary Report**

This report presents a detailed breakdown of drilling costs, enabling analysis across multiple dimensions:

- **Tenement Section**  
Displays **Total Cost per Lease** and **Cost by Category**, helping track expenditure across different tenements.
- **Performance Section**  
Shows **Total Cost per Rig** and **Cost by Category**, supporting performance and cost-efficiency assessments.
- **Monthly Cost Overview**  
A summary of **Total Drilling Cost per Year/Month** is displayed in the **bottom-left corner** of the report for quick reference to temporal trends.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 4.jpeg](media://0fc7a191-99da-4336-a5eb-2664714eb830)

### **Consumables Report**

This report provides a summary of all consumables used in drilling operations, offering both visual and tabular insights:

- **Charts (Left Side)**
  - **Tenement Section**: Displays **Total Consumables by Lease** and **Year/Month**, helping track usage across tenements over time.
  - **Performance Section**: Shows **Total Consumables by Rig**, supporting operational analysis by equipment.
- **Details (Right Side)**  
A comprehensive **list of all consumables** along with their **Total Cost** is presented for detailed review and cost tracking.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 5.jpeg](media://5ab5df8b-2711-4141-832b-32652a337a17)

### **Drilling Summary – Performance Report**

This report provides key performance metrics through four visualisations:

- **Left Side Charts**
  - **Cumulative Metres Drilled**: Displays the total metres drilled to date.
  - **Drilled Metres – Last 12 Months**: Shows monthly drilling progress over the past year.
- **Right Side Charts**
  - **Holes Drilled by Hole Type**: Breaks down the number of holes drilled by type.
  - **Metres Drilled by Hole Type**: Highlights total metres drilled, segmented by hole type.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 6.jpeg](media://8c48be93-0e6c-450d-8b39-35ccba8982e8)

### **Drilling Summary – Tabular Report**

This report presents a tabular breakdown of drilling activity, focusing on:

- **Number of Holes Drilled**
- **Hole Type Classification**

#### **Charts (Right Side)**

- **Holes Drilled by Hole Type**  
Visual representation of the number of holes drilled, segmented by type.
- **Metres Drilled by Hole Type**  
Displays total drilling depth by hole type.
- **Drilling Cost by Hole Type**  
Shows the associated cost per hole type, supporting cost analysis and budgeting.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 8.jpeg](media://9b1df91f-0335-4fb3-b9ca-ae11ba449fee)

### **Drill Hole Status Report**

This report provides a real-time overview of drill hole progress, including:

- **Total Holes Drilled**  
Displays the number of completed drill holes.
- **Holes In Progress**  
Shows the number of drill holes currently underway.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 9.jpeg](media://bdbde43b-ef78-4488-81c9-3e35d80d7ecb)

### **Rig Performance Report**

This report provides a detailed view of rig activity and efficiency, segmented by **Shift** and **Date**.

#### **Top Section**

- **Total Drilled Holes**
- **Total Drilled Meters**  
These metrics offer a quick snapshot of overall rig output.

#### **Bottom Section**

- **Cumulative Drilled Meters**  
Tracks total drilling progress over time.
- **Month-over-Month Comparison**  
Highlights drilling performance trends across recent months.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 10.jpeg](media://e36f10e6-c2f1-4074-88a0-7ffdf04e6604)

### **Location Deviation Report**

This report provides a summary of drill hole location data, highlighting differences between:

- **Planned Locations**
- **NAT (Navigated Actual) Locations**

The comparison is based on matching **Grid_IDs**, allowing users to assess spatial deviations between intended and actual drill hole positions.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 12.jpeg](media://a5ba6d9c-1da9-4cb7-8851-c039befd12b5)

### **Plods Forms (DDR) Report**

This page includes **additional filters** to help refine the displayed data. To use the filters effectively:

1. **Select Rig**
2. **Select Shift**
3. **Select Activity_ID**

These filters allow users to drill down into specific operational details for more targeted analysis of drilling activities.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 13.jpeg](media://b4ab8963-1b25-4a29-8df4-f4a1c348cd52)

> ⚠️ <span style="color: #7f1d1d">**Important: Please note, only one Activity_ID should be selected.**</span>

### **Invoice Reconciliation Report**

This report allows users to reconcile drilling invoice data by filtering with either:

- **Contract ID**
- **Invoice ID**

It compares the **calculated costs per Contract Item** with the **actual costs charged** by the drilling contractor, highlighting any discrepancies for review.

![PBI Dashboards - Dark Mode - Step 14.jpeg](media://c1a74290-d06f-46a6-b23c-32aaf8dc45b3)

> ⚠️ <span style="color: #7f1d1d">**Important: **</span><span style="color: #7f1d1d">While the Activity costs are automatically calculated from the Contract Details table, invoice information broken down by cost code needs to be imported from an Excel file using DS5 import functionality.</span>

# MDS Data Tables

The following tables are used to support dashboard reporting for drill plod data and associated contract information.

#### **Contracts Tables**

- `tblContractHeader`  
Contains basic information related to drilling contracts.
- `tblContractDetails`  
Stores detailed cost breakdowns for contract items, based on the Schedule of Rates.
- `tblContractDetailsRate` *(Optional)*  
Used for contracts spanning multiple years, allowing different rates to be applied over time.
- `tblContractInvoice`  
Holds basic information about received drilling invoices.
- `tblContractInvoiceCostCode`  
Contains detailed cost breakdowns from received invoices, mapped to contract items.

#### **Drilling Plods Tables**

- `tblContractActivityLog`  
Records basic information from Daily Drilling Reports (DDRs/Plods).
- `tblContractActivityLogCrews`  
Details crew composition and hours worked per shift.
- `tblContractActivityLogDetails`  
Captures time-based items and consumables used during each shift.
- `tblContractActivityLogMetres`  
Logs the number of metres drilled per shift.