What is SSAS?

SQL Server Analysis Services, abbreviated as SSAS, is an analytical data engine utilized in decision support and business analytics. It is designed to provide enterprise-grade semantic data models that are essential for business reports and client applications such as Power BI, Excel, Reporting Services reports, and various other data visualization tools. The SSAS tool can be deployed either as an on-premises solution or as a virtual machine server instance, offering flexibility in implementation.

SSAS is known for supporting a diverse array of modeling approaches including tabular models at all compatibility levels, multidimensional models, data mining, and Power Pivot for SharePoint, depending on the version of the software. It is a versatile service that is accessible by any client application that supports Analysis Services as a data source. Furthermore, SSAS models are rich in features, allowing for the specification of query objects, calculations, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to incorporate complex business logic into data analysis.

SSAS is a component of SQL Server services and is populated with data from data systems, typically from data warehouses that operate on SQL Server or Oracle relational database engines. The tabular models in SSAS offer compatibility with a broader range of data source types compared to other models. Once deployed to a server instance, SSAS models are made available to authorized users who can connect through applications like Excel to perform data analysis and gain insights for informed decision-making.

SSAS Plugins for Excel

OLAPExtension for Excel

The OLAPExtension for Excel enhances the capabilities of Microsoft Excel by enabling access to SSAS cubes. This extension can be easily obtained from http://olappivottableextend.codeplex.com/. Designed to function with Excel 2007 and later versions, it is also compatible with SQL Server 2005/2008/2008 R2 and subsequent versions. This powerful tool allows users to create named sets, view the MDX queries generated by Excel, and define custom calculations within Excel, thereby extending the analytical features of Excel when working with OLAP databases.

PowerPivot

PowerPivot, an add-in developed by Microsoft for Excel, significantly enhances data analysis capabilities within Excel. It empowers users to import vast data sets, construct intricate tables and charts, and discern relationships within the data. This add-in excels in processing data volumes that are beyond the native capacity of Excel.

Solver

Pre-installed in Excel, Solver is an optimization tool that facilitates users in solving complex optimization problems. It leverages mathematical and numerical techniques to find optimal solutions for decision variables within the constraints specified by the user.

Power Query

As an add-in for Excel, Power Query stands out for its compatibility with other Excel add-ins, its proficiency in sourcing data from a multitude of origins, and its ability to fuse data retrieval with analytical research. It streamlines the process of data analysis by providing robust tools for data transformation and enrichment.

Kutools

Kutools is a comprehensive Excel add-in that significantly expands Excel's functionality by adding over 300 functions. This add-in simplifies tasks such as merging cells, columns, and rows without losing data and enriches Excel's capabilities with additional counting functions.

Fuzzy Lookup

The Fuzzy Lookup add-in for Excel is designed to evaluate and consolidate similar data entries. It complements Excel's native VLOOKUP function by adding the ability to match data that is not exactly identical, which is particularly useful for reconciling data with minor discrepancies.

Common Use Cases

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  Creating business reports with detailed sales analysis by connecting Excel to the SSAS cube for dynamic data retrieval
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  Developing pivot table reports in Excel from the Adventure Works Cube without requiring advanced database querying skills
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  Using Excel’s data filters and transformations to prepare and analyze OLAP database information from SSAS for business analytics
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  Connecting to a Multidimensional Cube or Tabular Model in SSAS through Excel for decision support and data analysis
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  Saving and reusing connection settings with .ODC files to streamline report creation in Excel across different workbooks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the SSAS plugin for Excel?

The SSAS plugin for Excel allows for a dynamic connection between Excel and a SQL Server Analysis Services OLAP database. It enables data refresh in Excel when the OLAP database data changes and allows users to import data into Excel as a Table or a PivotTable report.

How can I connect Excel to an OLAP database using SSAS plugin?

You can connect Excel to an OLAP database using either Power Query or the Data Connection Wizard. Power Query is recommended for creating such connections.

Can I save data to the Data Model in Excel with the SSAS plugin?

Yes, with the SSAS plugin, you can save data to the Data Model in Excel starting from the 2013 version.

Is it possible to customize the data import from an OLAP database into Excel using the SSAS plugin?

Yes, you can customize the data import by using the Navigator pane to select specific databases, cubes, or tables and applying data filters and transformations before loading.

Are there any compatibility considerations when using the SSAS plugin with different versions of Excel?

The SSAS plugin can be used to create a dynamic connection between Excel and an OLAP database in versions starting from Excel 2010. However, saving data to the Data Model is only available from Excel 2013 and onwards.