Since users will need to refresh the dataset, and refresh for external connections is not supported in Excel Online, it’s recommended that users open the workbook in the desktop version of Excel on their computer.
Forum Discussion
Excel 365 to OLAP Cube in SSAS
We, as a company are maintaining a OLAP cube in MS Analytical Services. We use MS SQL Server Management Services. I am trying to connect Excel 365 online to the OLAP cube. I should be able to refresh...
Hi,
I'm not sure, but most probably that's not an issue of connection to on-premises data source. You may create simple data model published on Power BI services, connect it to Excel and try to refresh from Excel Online. It doesn't work.
As said here https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-service-analyze-in-excel/
Analyze in Excel | Microsoft Power BI
That was publishes (more exctly updated) bit more than a month ago , don't think something changed recently. We don't use Excel Online in organization (people pushed to open in desktop), thus have no concrete experience.
Thanks for answering.
Our problem is that we can connect excel desktop to OLAP cube successfully. However, when users use multiple tabs and pivot tables, excel crashes or its very slow.
So, would using excel 365 solve this problem? If not then what else can be done?
Your help is much appreciated.
- What version of Excel are you using ?
Can you confirm it's Get & Transform /power query that you are using.
If the issue is down to data size and calculation issues then it might be worth trying a machine that has 64 bit office installed and see if that helps. 64 bit Excel can use a lot more RAM from your computer.Wyn, if use live connection to the cube hardware shall not be critical. If load entire cube into the Excel data model - yes, that depends.
Hi,
I have no own experience with such issues, but in general
- power bi services is actually SSAS, when you connect to power bi from excel you don't load the data model into excel, that's just live connection. To refresh you run simular OLAP query as you run using live connection from Excel desktop to your on-premises SSAS.
- perhaps the difference if in both cases if you use live connection is what the cloud infrastructure usually more advanced and more optimized compare to on-premises one.
- with power bi scenario, why don't you open Excel in desktop mode, not online? The only reason could be if some users don't have Office license and have to use online version only.
- and with first scenario did you try to compare live connection and importing to Excel data model? Are they both have performance issues?
Sorry, nothing concrete, just thoughts.
- The issue more often than not is not the inability for individual users to connect to the SSAS directly or through power bi service, but the fact that developments are always ongoing, so should there be need for change in the dashboard, there is no master design or master source for the design. We have to distribute afresh to all users afresh.
