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Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook
Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook

Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook: No prior knowledgeof tabular modeling is needed to benefit from this brilliant cookbook. This is the total guide to developing and managing analytical models using the Business Intelligence Semantic Models technology.

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Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook

Chapter 2. Importing Data

In this chapter we will cover ways to import data from different types of data sources. This includes:

  • Importing data as text
  • Importing data from databases
  • Managing connections and tables
  • Using data feeds

Introduction

Prior to the introduction of tabular modeling, which is now commonly known as Business Intelligence Semantic Models (BISM), Microsoft relied on its multidimensional storage model (MOLAP) for Analysis Services (analytical) database. In fact, multidimensional refers to a method of storage, which is still a viable option for enterprise business intelligence through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). The term BISM is not unique to tabular modeling—it also relates to the semantic abstraction of a data model within the MOLAP engine. However, whenever BISM is discussed, it usually relates to tabular modeling (whether that be in PowerPivot or SSAS with a tabular storage mode). The storage engine for tabular modeling is also referred to as xVelocity.

Unlike the xVelocity engine of tabular models, the multidimensional model was basically designed to use a relational source (preferably a SQL Server) as its data source. Additionally, the multidimensional engine assumed that data...

Importing data as text

Tabular modeling natively supports the import of files with extensions of text (.txt), comma separated values (.csv), and tab separated values (.tab). Once a file to import has been defined, the user can specify the delimiter (column separator), and the importing interface scans the file to estimate the underlying data types for each column. Finally, the interface finishes the import process by loading the data according to this specification.

Getting ready

A text file to simulate the output file for the sales record header has been created and is available from the online resources for this chapter. This file includes the sales_order_id, customer_id, employee_id, currency_id, customer_po_id, sales_territory_id, order_dt (order date), due_dt (due date), ship_dt (ship date), and sales_amount fields.

The file will be imported as a table into PowerPivot (and the tabular model). A screenshot of the file is shown as follows:

Getting ready

How to do It…

Most data imports can be managed...

Importing data from databases

Although tabular models support the import of data from a variety of sources, a relational database is still considered to be one of the primary methods of obtaining data. Unlike other sources (such as text files), where the structure may change from time to time, the data from a database is preferred because it conforms to a schema which is expected to remain constant. Furthermore, most operational systems store their data in a relational database format, and therefore, the database becomes a suitable source of data.

Tabular models may extract relational data through a generic connection on the machine, for example, Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC), which is a standard method of data access, or by a connection based on a native driver (specific driver) stored in the model.

Tip

An ODBC connection also stores a connection within the model. However, the actual connection to the database is managed by the ODBC connection on the machine (rather than the tabular...

Managing connections and tables

The goal of the model designer should be to produce succinct models that are easily maintainable. This implies the re-use of objects (and structures) wherever possible. We have seen that it is relatively easy to import data into the model; however, the designer should also think about the maintenance of the model in the future. This recipe looks at how an existing model can be extended by adding additional data, and how a table can be altered once inside the model. This recipe is motivated by the maintenance of an existing table—that is, how do we change the import of a table which has already been specified? Additionally, as a point of practice, the modeler should re-use an existing connection that has been created, rather than create additional connections by continually importing tables using the same database settings.

Getting ready

This recipe uses the model that has been created in the prior recipe Importing data from databases.

How to do it…...

Using data feeds

Data feeds allow a tabular model to consume XML data through an HTTP service—these are called the OData and .atomsvc feeds. The feed(s) can be defined to the model through either an OData service (which also can provide data) or a data service document (the .atomsvc file) that specifies the URL to the service.

The Open Data Protocol (OData) is a standard protocol for creating and consuming data over existing technologies such as HTTP. This means that data can be imported into the model as a web service. The ability to use data which is not generated from the corporate environment extends the possible data sources that can be used for analysis. Data may be available for free or purchased from vendors (see http://datamarket.azure.com/ for both).

Getting ready

This recipe imports some data from an online database called Northwind. Northwind is a well-known sample database (actually, the data is not that important to us—only the technique used to import it is). We...

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Key benefits

  • Develop tabular models for personal use
  • Learn about the modeling techniques which are required to overcome commonly encountered problems and master advanced modeling scenarios
  • Understand the techniques required to promote personal models to corporate enterprise environments and manage the models in a corporate environment
  • Learn tips and tricks for querying tabular models and learn how to access the data within them for dynamic reporting including the development of interactive workbooks

Description

Business Intelligence Semantic Models (BISM) is a technology that is designed to deliver analytical information to users through a variety of mechanisms that include model structure, definition, and design. This book demonstrates how to create BISM models so that information can be presented to users in an intuitive and easy-to-use format. Once the model is defined, we also show you how it can be managed and maintained so that the data in it remains current and secure. Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook is an all-encompassing guide to developing, managing, creating, and using analytical models using the Business Intelligence Semantic Model (BISM). This title covers a range of modeling situations and common data analysis related problems to show you the techniques required to turn data into information using tabular modeling. Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook examines three areas of tabular modeling: model development, model management and maintenance, and reporting. This book is a practical guide on how to develop semantic models and turn business data into information. It covers all phases of the model lifecycle from creation to administration and finally reporting. It also shows you how to create models which are designed to analyze data. All sections of BISM modeling from development to management and finally reporting are covered. The sections on development examine a wide range of techniques and tricks required to build models, including moving data into the model, structuring the model to manipulate the data, and finally the formulas required to answer common business questions; all of these are discussed in this book in detail. Finally, the book examines methods of reporting on the data within the model, including the creation of data-driven workbooks and reports for a powerful end user experience.

Who is this book for?

This book is designed for developers who wish to develop powerful and dynamic models for users as well as those who are responsible for the administration of models in corporate environments. It is also targeted at analysts and users of Excel who wish to advance their knowledge of Excel through the development of tabular models or who wish to analyze data through tabular modeling techniques. We assume no prior knowledge of tabular modeling.

What you will learn

  • Create tabular models which present custom information to users
  • Create simple and complex DAX formulas and measures that address business questions and concerns
  • Learn the basics of tabular modeling and how to structure the model and control what information is presented to the user
  • Understand the methods of importing data into the model and the techniques to manage the data access components of the model
  • Learn about the DAX calculations and modeling concepts required to present custom-specific user requirements to model users
  • Explore the techniques required to promote and manage tabular models in corporate environments
  • Learn methods to report and query on the data within the model
  • Understand the techniques required to extend the native reporting capabilities in Excel through the use of Visual Basic for Application (VBA) within workbooks in order to provide a rich and customizable reporting framework for users
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Length: 320 pages
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Language : English
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Table of Contents

12 Chapters
1. Getting Started with Excel Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Importing Data Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Advanced Browsing Features Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Time Calculations and Date Functions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Applied Modeling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Programmatic Access via Excel Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Enterprise Design and Features Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Enterprise Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Querying the Tabular Model with DAX Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Visualizing Data with Power View Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
A. Installing PowerPivot and Sample Databases Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

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Mark Polino May 25, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I was really impressed with the Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook. The book nailed Power Pivot and does a good job of covering Power Pivot with SSAS Tabular too.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Dan English Feb 22, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The book is written by Paul te Braak, who is a lead business intelligence consultant in Australia and is one of the developers on the DAX Studio project, and he has put together an outstanding cookbook. When the book was released I was surprised and excited. I was surprised because I did not know that Paul was working on this (he is the sole author, big kudos to Paul), and excited because I knew it was going to be a good one. I had this one on my radar list of books to add to my collection; I am definitely a big fan of the Packt Publishing Cookbook series style of books. Microsoft Tabular Modeling CookbookWhat I like about the books is that they introduce a topic or situation and then go over the solution in a very simple and easy to understand format – Getting Ready, How to do it, How it Works, There’s more. Paul adds a lot of great insights in this book in explaining how the solutions work as well as including a bunch of ‘Tips’ along the way as well.Paul does a great job on slowly working you into the Tabular modeling concepts and the only tool you need to get going is Excel and the Power Pivot add-in. Paul’s examples use Excel workbooks and flat files for the most part, so that makes it really easy to get started and get your learn on.What is amazing is that this book is just over 300 pages and it is loaded with great content that covers items such as how to use Power Pivot, hierarchies, drilldown, parent-child hierarchies (including how to hidememberif in DAX), smart measures, smart keys, programmatic access in Excel – cube functions and VBA, querying with DAX, Power View, and more! Simply amazing, Paul does a fabulous job and this is a great intro book that progresses into advanced topics and has great examples, tips, and insights that are a big time value add.I would definitely rate this as a must have for anyone doing tabular SSAS development and give it 5 out of 5 stars – image.Awesome job Paul and thanks for writing the book and sharing!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Chuck Barrow Apr 09, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Self-service business intelligence depends on managers and directors learning the skills necessary to make their own reports rather than requesting reports and dashboards from pricy programmers and consultants. This cookbook provides outstanding instruction, examples, and screenshots that can be referenced by both beginner and more advanced report makers. I am getting to the point where I can create my own advanced PowerPivots, and this book definitely taught me quite a bit. But more importantly, I am training others to create their own reports (rather than asking me every time), and the Microsoft Tabular Modeling Cookbook serves as a nice guide and reference text for those who are intimidated by the subject matter, but who also need to learn this new, essential skill. This is a must-have reference book for any organization that wants to enable Microsoft's self-service Business Intelligence.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
JesseKraut Apr 09, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I was very impressed with this book it goes into a lot of details but gives a great high level overview of the tabular model as well. I found that the examples were really good in Excel and easy to follow. The advanced topics were really good going through the DAX language and how to query the tabular model. I like how they incorporated the Power View Visualizations to show the power of the data using the tabular models. They did a great job showing the difference from individual models in PowerPivot and Server Side models in SSAS. Lastly this book does a wonderful job at showing the maintenance of the tabular models where the administration comes into play like deploying models and security.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Alex Heaton Feb 06, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Awesome book. I learned so much and used it as a guide to do a big powerpivot project. I used Excel 2016 and I was still able to use this book.I borrowed this book from the library of my work. I still have a lot to learn from it and I don't want to give it back so I'm going to buy my own copy.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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