Combining
Excel and Power BI
for smart reporting

• Exploit Machine Learning algorithms in a code-free fashion through the integration with Azure Machine Learning. Image recognition and text analytics facilities are now built-in tools in Power BI.
• Subset the data and automatically gain simple insights through the Quick Insight
• Connect to several different data sources from Microsoft, Salesforce, and other vendors (Hybrid deployment support). Data can be ingested and transformed via Power Query to be used across multiple dashboards.
• Perform Data Modelling directly in a built-in facility able to render standardised results. Furthermore, a Modelling View allows users to better interact with the data models through a graphical interface.
• Exploit sample code and APIs to embed dashboards inside other applications.

• Ability to handle a large amount of data.
• Allow for live data analysis.
• Possibility to continuously communicate results to all the relevant stakeholders.

Combined with the fact that data-driven decision-making is increasingly needed no matter the size of the business, such key factors are driving the upward trend in the implementation of self-service analytics solutions, spotted, among others, by [3], [4], and [5].

Forrester Consulting reported in 2011 that 88% of non-technical BI users rely heavily to exclusively on spreadsheets for analysis and reporting [7]. Certainly, things have changed since then, but considering the spread of Excel and Google Sheets combined, it is hard to believe that spreadsheets are out of the game anytime soon. The reason for such resilience needs to be searched in the large degree of flexibility that spreadsheets allow, both in terms of analysis and data visualisation. Such tools enable non-technical users to perform relatively complex calculations and plot graphs, and design visuals providing valuable insights. Indeed, Excel is still considered the most used software for self-service ad-hoc analysis.

However, modern business intelligence and analytics solutions are not intended to substitute spreadsheets. Instead, they emerge as complementary tools to enrich the user experience. That is, while spreadsheets are still one of the best tools to perform calculations and analyse ad hoc instances, BI tools simplify the visualisation, collaboration, and spreading of information across hybrid workplaces. For example, in Six ways Excel users save time with Power BI, Microsoft points out how Excel users can benefit from Power BI to save time with mobile-ready reporting capabilities.

With the large offer of premium self-service analytics and BI solutions, which often come with a free community version, the slow adoption of modern tools in small and medium-sized enterprises often depends on scarce resources, mainly a time for learning something new. Put differently; it is more effective to exploit the “good old” Excel to get things done quickly and confidently than to explore any alternative.

Given this evidence, Power BI may have a competitive advantage over other tools. It shares several functionalities with Excel, dramatically improving the learning time. Users can exploit powerful capabilities using the skills they already have.