Necto 16 Training Visual Studio modeling (Excel files)

Objectives

By the end of this lesson you will be able to describe:

• Basic aspects of Visual Studio Modeling which can be used as a Necto data source

Requirements

In order to create a Tabular Model you require:

• Microsoft SQL, an edition that includes Tabular Modeling• SQL Server Data Tools in Visual Studio 2015

• Currently this can be downloaded and installed from here https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/mt186501

• Install this on a client machine to create the models remotely on the SQL server.

Model Development Flow

• Create Data Sources and Load tables• Create the connection between the Tables• Define Measures• Customize your Model – i.e. Hide or delete unnecessary Columns• Deploy the Model (Use the “Publish” icon) • Optional:

• Automate the Model (Define Partition Mechanism and Processing)• Define Security

Creating a New Tabular Model Project• Open SQL Server Data Tools 2015• Open File -> New -> Project

Creating a New Tabular Model Project• SSDT will now try to validate

your Tabular instance and set the correct compatibility mode, take advantage of this and manually it is harder to find and do.

• Once the connection is established click ‘OK’

Create a Data Source• To add data click or

select ‘Model -> Import from data source…’

• Excel is a choice here and for ease of use this is the option chosen.

Create a Data Source (continued)• Choose a name and

select the path of the Excel file

• Test the connectivity and use the first for headers if that is the setup of the file.

• Select the impersonation information in the next step.

Create a Data Source (continued)• Select the Sheet(s) to use,

select a friendly name for the imported table if required.

• You can preview and or filter if required, when you are satisfied, click Finish.

Create connections between the tables • I imported 2 tables one

fact and the other a dimensions for this module

• In the bottom left of this screen you can move between tabular and design display types

• Drag City to City to join them with a 1:n relationship

Create a new Hierarchy• Select State and City in

the Geo table and select ‘Create Hierarchy …’

• The Hierarchy can be used to slice the fact table in Necto

Define Measures• In Tabular display

mode, you can select a column header and press on the button to create an auto sum measure.

• The Measures appear in the lower window

• If you want to add a new column this is called a calculated column

Customize the Model• Select the column City

and right click, then Hide from Client Tools

• The City will not be seen in Necto as it was not needed because the Geography hierarchy can be used

Deploy Model• Once all of your

modifications are complete you can Deploy the model

• Deploy with Build, Deploy and Process the model

• Now you can find the model through Necto.

Thank you, any questions?