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Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

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Marco Russo on 04 Jan 2020 17:08:41

When you use Analyze in Excel, MDX queries are sent to the Power BI dataset. If you have a PivotTable with 10 measures, the performance is usually slower compared to a similar Matrix in Power BI with the same content. Power BI generates DAX queries.
One of the reasons why this difference exists is that the DAX query is optimized using a process called "fusion", which includes in a single storage engine request the aggregations required for multiple measures, whereas this feature has not been implemented for MDX queries.
Implementing fusion for MDX queries would dramatically improve the performance of many pivot tables in Excel where there are many measures in the same pivot table.

Comments (25)
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a3309361 99be-ea11-a812-000d3a8ddfb2 on 06 Jul 2020 00:09:35

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

Good idea. It´s very necessary

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bad799ac deb2-4759-86f6-4a53d678154b on 06 Jul 2020 00:07:29

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

Yes - I can completely agree. A native DAX support in Excel would significantly improve the user experience and subsequently also the load on the analysis service/powerBI.

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c639fbd1 78f0-43ae-bc3f-6e22f271365d on 06 Jul 2020 00:06:32

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

A must have feature to have the best excel user experience

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a3309361 99be-ea11-a812-000d3a8ddfb2 on 06 Jul 2020 00:06:17

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

This is a very good idea! We use a lot of Excel as it is one of the best tool and gives the flexibility and low barrier of entry for "normal users" to analyze the numbers in Excel. A lot of people appreciates Power BI visuals but the bulk of users will not have time to spend on working in Power BI because there is a learning curve to it. This will for sure drive efficiency!

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dfc08f33 a030-41be-9923-4562d3d3e5a9 on 06 Jul 2020 00:06:00

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

Yes!! This feature is highly needed to improve the performance of Analyze in Excel

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ccd1897a 6d12-4579-924e-7f1325e23215 on 06 Jul 2020 00:05:57

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

Very much needed; this functionality is useful but extremely slow.

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9818ffad d558-4291-a71b-3ed0f2dc7016 on 06 Jul 2020 00:05:49

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

This is a great idea, the performance of Excel connected to a Power BI dataset or an Azure Analysis Services tabular model can be pretty bad compared to Power BI.

Microsoft is in such a unique position having the leading BI platform Power BI and the world’s favorite data tool Excel but the latter really needs some more love as a Power BI front end. The potential impact is HUGE!

Please also consider voting for these related ideas by other experts on the Excel User Voice:

https://excel.uservoice.com/forums/274580-excel-for-the-web/suggestions/33793252-pivottables-created-with-power-bi-using-analyze-in

(more info: https://blog.crossjoin.co.uk/2018/04/04/make-excel-reports-created-with-analyze-in-excel-work-after-publishing-to-power-bi/ )

And:

https://excel.uservoice.com/forums/304921-excel-for-windows-desktop-application/suggestions/34136188-better-support-for-analysis-services-tabular

(more info: https://prologika.com/help-improve-excel-as-analysis-services-front-end/ )

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78c09244 8a68-4629-8b8e-17fe51262e3a on 06 Jul 2020 00:05:49

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

Great idea, I think this could be very helpful at a couple of projects.

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392696dc 95d3-42b4-bf4b-c387bd324f0e on 06 Jul 2020 00:05:48

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

A native DAX interface in Excel pivot-tables could be a solution

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92c8d88b cbd4-4e33-a2a1-6903d7b3429c on 06 Jul 2020 00:05:44

RE: Improve performance of MDX queries using Analyze in Excel

I could not agree more with this.