Power Pivot is an interactive tabular report, similar to traditional Pivot table, from which it differs in that it is based on tables that belong to the Data model. It can handle large amount of data that are unpacked when needed, when we have to use them in report, thus saving memory space. It has several specific options, such as KPI, hierarchies or data sets, which can be very helpful when we are making complex reports.
Pivot charts have almost all properties as standard charts that are used to visualize reporting data. They are specific in that they are always in relation to the Pivot table on the basis of which they were created or by some other data source (Data Model). Changing data in the Pivot table, e.g. by adding a new report dimension, the Pivot chart is automatically updated. You can find out more about Pivot Charts in the text that follows …
Filtering the Pivot table report can also be done with the help of interactive filters, which are: slicers timeline. These are graphics objects that can be used, both with Pivot tables and structured tables. Slicers are made on the basis of the specified reporting dimension, and can be interlinked, according to the principle of subordinates and superiors. Timeline filters are made exclusively based on time-related reporting dimensions.
Before we create a Pivot table, it is important that we have a well-defined data source. Columns of the table represent the reporting dimensions (dimensions and measures) and before we begin to make the report it would be useful to prepare well all the reporting dimensions. However, it is sometimes necessary to add some new dimension “on the go” and it is therefore useful to know how to use the Calculated Fields and Calculated Items features.
Experienced users are eager to find out where are the Pivot table options, in order to make adjustments and adapt the software to their needs! Each Pivot table has many options that affect its work. With them we can change the look and way of displaying the values in the report, the method of calculating subtotals, use of filters, properties of connecting with external data sources, printing options…