I have created Power View reports based upon SSAS Tabular models many times, but I typically go through SharePoint to get my data connection from a BISM connection file. I am now working on a project where I need to create Power Views connected to a tabular model without using SharePoint. The way to do this was not immediately obvious to me, so I thought I would share this information. If you click Power View on the Insert Tab, you will get the following message: “Power View needs data to work with. Select a range of cells that contain data and then on the Insert tab click Power View.” Excel is assuming you want to you Power Pivot as your data source.
Instead, add a new data connection to your workbook that points to an SSAS Tabular model.
- On the Data tab, Choose From Other Sources -> From Analysis Services.
- When the dialog box appears, enter the server name and choose Windows Authentication. Then click Next.
- Select the appropriate database and perspective. Click Next.
- Update the file name and friendly name, if desired. Click Finish.
- Now that you have your data connection in your workbook, an Import Data dialog box will appear. Choose Power View Report and click OK.
A Power View sheet will be created in your workbook. If you need another Power View sheet:
- Go to a regular Excel worksheet (not a Power View sheet).
- Click on the Existing Connections button.
- Double-click on the appropriate connection in the workbook.
- Choose Power View Report. Click OK.
The Office help documentation for this topic is here.
I also made a quick video that shows me creating two Power View tabs connected to an SSAS tabular model in an Excel workbook.
