Planning & Essbase

Microsoft Excel Essbase Add-in Query Toolbar


Over the years, Ranzal & Associates has developed a number of Essbase add-ins that improves the overall user productivity experience. There are two add-ins listed here

  • EssHelper.xla: Designed for read-only power users to enhance their overall experience
  • RanzalEssbase: Designed for read/write power users who want to build Excel add-in lock and send templates, and to run parameterized calc scripts similar to business rules.
Neither one of these add-ins require any code knowledge. The add-ins will work with Excel 97, through Excel 2003 (they have not been tested with Office 2007). They will work with Essbase 6.x through Essbase System 9. The requirements for the add-ins are:
  • Essbase Add-In is installed, and registered (EssExcln.xll)
  • Client is licensed for the Essbase Spreadsheet Macro Toolkit on the server (always on in system 9)
  • Environment variables set
    • ARBORPATH is set (e.g. C:\Hyperion\AnalyticServices)
    • PATH = %ARBORPATH%\bin
  • For certain functionality (identified in the document), the Essbase API run time client files (EsbApin.dll and EsbOtln.dll) are deployed to the %ARBORPATH%\bin directory. Note a client does NOT need to be licensed for the Essbase API to use this.

These add-ins are provided "as-is". Ranzal does not charge clients for using them, just consulting time to assist in implementing and enhancing them.

Notes:

  • There are known issues with the 9.3.1 Essbase Excel Add-In and Windows XP SP-3. Be sure to obtain the patch for this version, or use the 11.1.1 add-in against a 9.3.1 server.
  • Because the Essbase Add-In doesn't support multiple instances of Excel open at the same time, these add-ins will not support them either.

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