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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
3 years ago

Excel or MS Access as data source

Hello, i was wondering is there any advantages or disadvantages if you use MS Access or Excel as a data source for Power BI report?

 

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1 Reply

  • andhiii079845's avatar
    andhiii079845
    Solution Sage
    3 years ago

    Yes you can use excel. My personal pros and cons compare to a database:

    Pro Excel:
    * Easy to use and to add new data

    * Different persons can add/change data fast

    * Easy way to make a first draft of a report.

     

    -> low barrier to start with Power BI

     

    Cons:
    * Be aware of change of the structure. 

    * Can not handle thounds of data 

    * Can be complex if different files are involved

     

    -> Can be very fast a problem with more datas and can not replace the "power" of a real database (data modelling, constraints, backup solution etc.)

    It is also a way to combine the different data sources: Productive data in a database. Some experiments or fast draft for a report with sources from excel with some extra dimensions or fact tables..