What is OLAP?

OLAP, which stands for Online Analytical Processing, is a category of software tools that are crucial for business intelligence. These tools are designed for the complex analysis of data, enabling users to conduct multidimensional queries and assessments. OLAP facilitates the examination and manipulation of data from various perspectives, supporting in-depth exploration of business metrics and trends.

Not only do OLAP tools aggregate, summarize, and analyze large volumes of data, but they also provide quick access to manipulate and analyze these data sets. This capability enhances informed decision-making in businesses by uncovering insights and trends that are critical for strategic planning. OLAP tools are therefore essential for comprehensive business analysis and reporting.

OLAP systems are typically categorized into three main types: Multidimensional OLAP (MOLAP), Relational OLAP (ROLAP), and Hybrid OLAP (HOLAP). MOLAP is known for its high performance due to pre-aggregated and summarized data storage within a multidimensional array. ROLAP, on the other hand, stores data in rows and columns and relies on SQL queries for data access. HOLAP combines features of both MOLAP and ROLAP to tackle scalability and performance issues. Additionally, Smart OLAP is a next-generation service designed for cloud environments, scaling out to accommodate large datasets and users.

OLAP tools are integral to improving business intelligence and data-driven strategies. They are built to be accessible to a broad spectrum of users, not just those with technical expertise, and often feature user-friendly interfaces with pre-built dashboards. These tools allow for customized reports and data visualization, supporting pattern discovery, business transaction monitoring, and predictive analytics. OLAP tools are invaluable assets in problem-solving, forecasting, and facilitating efficient data exploration and reporting.

OLAP Plugins for Excel

Extending PivotTable Functionality

OLAP PivotTable Extensions is an Excel add-in designed to enhance the capabilities of PivotTables with Analysis Services cubes. It supports a wide range of services, including Analysis Services Tabular, Multidimensional, Azure Analysis Services, and Power BI.

Adding Features to PivotTables

This add-in introduces additional features such as the ability to search cubes, configure default settings directly, and apply filters from a list in your clipboard. It simplifies the process of analyzing complex data sets within Excel.

MDX Calculations Interface

A user interface (UI) is provided by OLAP PivotTable Extensions for defining and managing MDX calculations, making it convenient to tailor data analysis to specific requirements.

Calculations Library Management

Each PivotTable accompanied by the OLAP PivotTable Extensions will automatically create a Calculations Library, which retains all the calculations created. Users can maintain this library by importing, exporting, and deleting calculations as needed.

Formatting MDX Queries

The add-in allows users to send MDX queries from a PivotTable to a web service for formatting. This is beneficial for users looking to ensure that their queries are well-structured and readable.

Troubleshooting

If OLAP PivotTable Extensions is not visible in Excel after installation, users are advised to consult the Troubleshooting Installation and Connections page for guidance.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Enhancing analysis by defining private calculated measures specific to a PivotTable, which can be reused across multiple PivotTables via the Calculations Library
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  Use case 2: Streamlining the data exploration process by using the Search feature to quickly find cube elements and dimension members within the Field List
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  Use case 3: Customizing the experience of using PivotTables by changing default settings for new PivotTables and applying filters from a list in the clipboard
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  Use case 4: Troubleshooting data connections and performance by viewing the MDX query used by a PivotTable
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  Use case 5: Sharing enhanced PivotTables that contain private calculations with others, without the need for the recipients to install the add-in

Frequently Asked Questions

What versions of Excel does the OLAP PivotTable Extensions plugin support?

The plugin requires Excel 2013 or newer, or Office 365.

Can I create my own calculated measures using the OLAP PivotTable Extensions plugin?

Yes, users can define their own calculated measures private to a specific PivotTable, which appear in the PivotTable and in the Field List pane.

What data sources are supported by the OLAP PivotTable Extensions plugin?

The plugin supports Analysis Services Tabular, Multidimensional, Azure Analysis Services, and Power BI.

Does the OLAP PivotTable Extensions plugin allow sharing of PivotTables with private calculations?

Yes, PivotTables with private calculations can be distributed and will work on other Excel installations and services.

How do I connect to an OLAP cube in Excel using the OLAP PivotTable Extensions plugin?

To connect to an OLAP cube, you use the Data Connection Wizard in Excel, provide the server name and appropriate credentials, and select the database, table, or cube from the server.