1. Character Limit for Object Names
Object names such as tables or columns are limited to 100 characters. This can be a problem when dealing with complex datasets with long names.
2. File Size Limitations
Although data compression is very effective, Excel file sizes are still limited. If your Data Model contains very large amounts of data, Excel files can be difficult to manage or share.
3. Dependence on Memory Capacity
Because the Internal Data Model uses in-memory technology, the data processing performance is highly dependent on the memory capacity of the computer. On devices with limited memory, the analysis of big data can be slow.
Connecting Excel Data with Power Pivot
Connecting data in Excel with Power Pivot is an important step in creating a structured and efficient Data Model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your data for optimal use in Power Pivot.
Data Preparation for Power Pivot
Before using Power Pivot, make sure that the data in Excel is organized. Here are the steps:
1. Convert Data to Excel Tables
The data to be used in Power Pivot must be converted into an Excel table first. To do so, follow these steps:
- Select the data you want to use.
- Press Ctrl + T on the keyboard.
- In the Create Table dialog, make sure the My Table Has Headers option is checked.
- Click OK to convert the data to a table.
2. Give the Table a Descriptive Name
Once the data has been converted into a table, give it a descriptive name to make it easier to recognize in Power Pivot. You can change the table name in the Table Design tab in the Table Name section. Example of good table naming:
- Customers: This table contains customer information, such as CustomerID, name, and address.
- InvoiceHeader: This table stores key transaction information, such as InvoiceID, date, and transaction total.
- InvoiceDetails: This table contains transaction details, such as products, quantities, prices, and subtotals.
3. Check Data Consistency
- Make sure all tables have clear column headers and consistent data.
- Avoid blank or duplicate data that can interfere with the analysis in Power Pivot.
Add a Table to a Data Model in Power Pivot
Once you’ve converted the data into a structured table, the next step is to add it to the Data Model in Power Pivot. This allows you to start building Data Models that can be further analyzed with Power Pivot. Here are the steps to add a table to a Data Model:
1. Select Converted Table
After converting the data to a table (using Ctrl + T), select the table you want to add to the Power Pivot. Make sure that the table has a clear name and contains complete data.
2. Click Add to Data Model in the Power Pivot Tab
- After selecting the table, go to the Power Pivot tab in the Excel Ribbon.
- In this tab, you will find the option Add to Model Data. Click this option to add the selected table to the Power Pivot Model Data.
- Power Pivot will make a copy of the selected table and bring it to the Power Pivot window. The table is now part of Model Data and can be used to build relationships with other tables.
3. Table Displayed in Separate Tabs in Power Pivot Window
After the tables are added, each table that you import into Power Pivot will appear as separate tabs in the Power Pivot window.
- This Power Pivot window allows you to view, manage, and manipulate the data that has been added to Model Data.
- Each table in Power Pivot will be displayed with a name that you have predefined (for example, Customer, HeaderFaktur, or DetailFaktur).
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Creating Relationships Between Tables
Creating relationships between tables in Power Pivot is an important step in building a good data model. These relationships allow users to associate information from various tables, making data analysis easier. Using Diagram View in Power Pivot, you can easily view and organize relationships between tables based on key columns such as CustomerID or InvoiceID.
How to Create a Relationship Between a Table and a View Diagram
1. Open the Power Pivot Window
After adding the table to the Data Model, open the Power Pivot window and select the Diagram View view. Here, you’ll see all the tables you’ve added along with their columns.
2. Define Key Columns
Specify the key fields that will be used to create the relationship. For example, use CustomerID to connect Customers tables to InvoiceHeader tables, and use InvoiceID to connect InvoiceHeader tables to InvoiceDetails tables.