Connecting Excel to your models

Let's get started with Excel by creating two workbooks that will allow us to work through the design process with both model types. Our workbooks are called WideWorldImporters-MD.xlsx and WideWorldImporters-TAB.xlsx. This matches the naming convention we have used throughout this book. Now that we have our workbooks created, let's get connected to our models.

Connecting to the multidimensional model

Multidimensional models (or cubes) and Excel have been working together for a very long time. One of the great things about multidimensional models is the high level of interactivity and capabilities that Excel seamlessly supports. This functionality propelled cubes to the forefront of ad hoc analysis in businesses throughout the world. Let's begin:

1. Open your multidimensional workbook, WideWorldImporters-MD.xlsx.
2. On the Data tab, select Get Data | From Database | From Analysis Services. These steps are illustrated in the following...