Chapter 2
Building a Super Model
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the best data modeling practices
Leveraging Excel functions to deliver data
Creating smart tables that expand with data
Introducing dynamic arrays
Exploring dynamic array functions
One of Excel’s most attractive features is its flexibility. You can create an intricate system of interlocking calculations, linked cells, and formatted summaries that work together to create a final analysis. However, years of experience have brought me face to face with an ugly truth: Excel is like the cool gym teacher who lets you do anything you want — the freedom can be fun, but a lack of structure in your data models can lead to some serious headaches in the long run.
What’s a data model? A data model provides the foundation upon which your reporting mechanism is built. When you build a spreadsheet that imports, aggregates, and shapes data, you’re essentially building a data model that feeds your dashboards and reports.
Creating a poorly ...
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