Lesson: Linking a File to a Data Cell

Using the linked reporting objects feature, you can link an external file to a data cell in Spreadsheet Add-in. Essbase stores the file on the Essbase Server. Users who can access the database can retrieve the file and view the data contained in the cell.

This example uses the Asymm.xls sample worksheet with data from the Sample Basic database. It links a sample file, Budasmp.txt, to a cell containing the Budget figure. Budasmp.txt details the budgetary assumptions for the current year.

  To link a file to a data cell:

  1. Select File, and then Open.

  2. From  EPM_ORACLE_HOME/products/Essbase/EssbaseClient/client/sample, open Asymm.xls.

  3. Ensure that you are connected to the Sample Basic database.

    If you are not connected, see Connecting to a Database.

  4. Select cell D5.

    Selecting a data cell for linking an external file.

    Note:

    You can link objects only to data cells, not to cells containing member names.

  5. Select Essbase, and then Linked Objects.

    The Linked Objects Browser dialog box is displayed.

  6. In Linked Objects Browser, click Attach.

    The Attach Linked Object dialog box is displayed.

  7. Under Attachment Type.

  8. Click Browse next to File Name.

    The Browse Files dialog box is displayed.

  9. From the EPM_ORACLE_HOME/products/Essbase/EssbaseClient/client/sample, select Budasmp.txt.

  10. Click Open.

  11. Optional: Under File Description, enter this brief description for the file: .

    Budgetary assumption report

  12. Click OK.

    Essbase copies the file to the server and establishes a link to the current data cell.

  13. Click Close.

Leave the file (Asymm.xls) open for the next tutorial task.

User Reference

Linking Files to Data Cells