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Microsoft Excel previously provided simple 'two-dimensional' data types such as numbers and letters. However, the company is expanding its popular tool to include Dynamic Data through various cloud-connected data types. Later, the company bolstered the tool's capabilities with over 100 new data types when collaborating with Wolfram Alpha earlier this year, enabling individual cells to provide additional information and be continuously updated.
Microsoft has just announced numerous new capabilities added to data types in Excel, allowing users to input Power BI data in the form of data types in Excel, or even create custom data types based on their own data. This further enhances the tool's flexibility, aiding users in manipulation and data analysis without referencing multiple tables, thanks to features like automatic updates of data types and information tags providing additional context to the data in cells.
- Learn more: Basic functions in Excel
- Learn more: Computational functions in Excel
For a long time, Excel has had the ability to fetch data from various tools and databases using connectors and Get Data functions. Currently, business users with Power BI Pro can convert cells into data types from Power BI table-based data. This enables automatic viewing and filling of relevant information from linked tables in Excel. An example the company provides is a product code cell that can be linked to more information such as description, price, and availability easily through data available in the Power BI table.
Additionally, Excel will also be able to create user-defined data types using Power Query. Users can fetch data from sources of their choice, such as specific databases, company websites, and more using the Get Data menu, transform data based on their requirements, and create custom data types. This allows organization-specific data to be linked to sources and updated more easily.
Microsoft announces the presence of Power BI data types in Excel for Windows Current Channel Insiders with Microsoft 365 subscription and suitable Power BI Pro package. The ability to create custom data types, determined by users using Power Query, will be rolled out to all subscribers in the coming weeks.
Don't forget to check out Excel tips and tricks for handy tips on Excel functions.
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