Increasing volumes of data push analysts to the processing limits of Excel. Some years ago Microsoft added some tools and functions to Excel for data model management. The Power Query and Power Pivot add-ins extended the limits of Excel into the database realm. Those of us who lived through that transition were able to experience how borders were being moved and without realizing it, we were starting the path of self-service BI. Simultaneously, Microsoft launched Power BI, making available to business analysts an economic, simple and friendly tool designed for the new needs of volume, processing and information narrative.
The important thing is to identify the moment in which to make the leap. When thinking about the change, I propose to take into account the following:
- Volume: number of records added in each execution
- Dimensions: information analysis axes such as product categories, geographical areas, sales channels, etc.
- Frequency: recurrence in which the information is generated and the possibility of publishing it in real time
- Audience: number of recipients who consume the information
Issues not as distant as having five or more monthly report recipients, more than five hundred records added in each update, and three or more dimensions of analysis, can be a sufficient starting point to evaluate for change.
With the right accompaniment, any intermediate user of Excel in a short time can successfully make the path from which the limits will only depends on our enthusiasm.