[TIP 67] Connecting to Non-Standard Excel Files

When working with Excel files where each sheet isn’t just one table (i.e. the sheet contains multiple tables or there are unnecessary rows and columns above or to the sides of the table) you can use the Excel data connector "Define structure” option in Dundas BI.


You can provide a few settings to enable a direct connection to the specific data you need from the sheet.


In many cases, you would want to use the “Manual range” option and then provide the sheet name along with the Excel cell range in the format of the top left cell : bottom right cell and that will allow you to connect directly to that required table within your Excel sheet.


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This is useful, but it should also be mentioned that each field can also be modified in terms of field name, data type, etc. You do this by clicking on the column name in the sheet. The table listing makes it appear that you only have the option to delete the field (trashcan) but if you click on the column name you have more options than that.

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