To this end, in this post we will see how we can import data from Microsoft Word using PowerPivot’s copy-paste feature, create relationships on the data and perform aggregations that is BI! 🙂
Let’s See an Example
For example, consider the two following tables which exist in a sample Word document:
The business query is to evaluate the sales activity for all the salesmen and decide possible adjustments to their commissions.
Using the Copy-Paste Feature
To do this in PowerPivot, we are going to use the copy-paste feature, create a relationship for the two tables’ data, and visually build our business query using the user-friendly interface and tools of PowerPivot.
The first step is to import the data from Word right into Excel using PowerPivot. So first, we have to launch Excel 2010 and then start the PowerPivot environment:
Then, we copy the first table from the Word document into clipboard and we click on the “To New Table” button.
After previewing the data and clicking on the “OK” button, we see that the first table’s data are imported into PowerPivot:
Similarly, the next step is to import the data of the second table into PowerPivot as well. To this end, we copy the second table into clipboard and in the PowerPivot dialog we click again on the “To New Table” button.
After the preview, we can see that the second table’s data are imported into PowerPivot:
Learn essential SQL Server development tips! Enroll to our Online Course!
Sharpen your SQL Server database programming skills via a large set of tips on T-SQL and database development techniques. The course, among other, features over than 30 live demonstrations!
(Lifetime Access, Certificate of Completion, downloadable resources and more!)
Now it’s time to create the relationship between the two tables! We click on the “Table” menu, then on the “Create Relationship” button, and we set the following relationship between the two tables:
That’s it! If we now click on the “Manage Relationships” button we can see that the relationship has been created:
Now, back to the “Home” menu, we click on the “PivotTable” button and we select a PivotTable chart preset, for this example I selected the “Single PivotChart”. We select to import the PivotChart into a new worksheet and we have our data ready for processing:
For answering the business query we can check out the total sales amount per salesman and also see the employment date of each salesman. Then, based on the sales amount of each salesman, we can propose possible adjustments to the commissions. For this purpose, I created the two following charts:
Based on the sales activity of each salesman and on the results of the aggregations as illustrated in the two above charts, we derive to the conclusion that Salesman 3 should get the larger commission rate, then Salesman 1 followed by Salesman 2 and last Salesman 4 who has the less sales activity.
Conclusion
This post provided a simple example on how we can import data right into Excel using PowerPivot’s copy-paste feature, create relationships on the data and perform BI with ease by using the powerful engine of SQL Server PowerPivot.
Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.
Views:2,684
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Read More
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.