Despite heavy investment in Snowflake’s modern data platform, many organizations still struggle to give Excel users smooth, efficient access to that data. The result? Data extracts, stale numbers, and inconsistent reporting across the enterprise.
This guide outlines innovative implementation strategies to bridge that gap — focusing on how the AtScale semantic layer platform offers the most scalable, effective, and user-friendly solution.
What Excel Users Really Need
Your Excel users aren’t trying to write complex SQL queries. What they want is:
- Simple, intuitive access to trusted data
- Familiar workflows that don’t require technical training
- Fast performance — even with large datasets
- The ability to self-serve without leaning on IT
- Consistent, business-aligned metrics
AtScale: Making Excel and Snowflake Work Together
AtScale’s semantic layer provides a governed, high-performance bridge between Excel and Snowflake. Here’s how to implement it for maximum value.
Strategy 1: Deploy AtScale’s Semantic Layer
- Available as a Snowflake Native App for fast and secure deployment
- Creates a curated, business-friendly view of Snowflake data
- Handles performance tuning behind the scenes through intelligent query routing
Strategy 2: Build Business-Oriented Semantic Models
With AtScale, your data team can define:
- Clear, business-friendly naming for tables and fields
- Prebuilt KPIs and calculations that reflect real-world metrics
- Hierarchies and groupings that align with how departments actually use data
These models simplify the data exploration experience for Excel users.
Strategy 3: Roll Out the AtScale Excel Add-in
Here’s how users connect:
- Install the AtScale Excel Add-in
- In Excel, go to Data > From AtScale
- Choose a semantic model (e.g., Finance, Sales, Operations)
- Authenticate using enterprise credentials (no extra passwords)
- Build PivotTables directly from live Snowflake data
No drivers. No SQL. No IT tickets.
Strategy 4: Establish Data Governance Frameworks
Governance isn’t an afterthought — it’s built into AtScale:
- Row-level and column-level security controls who sees what
- Directory integration ensures access aligns with roles and policies
- Security is consistent across Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other tools
Strategy 5: Optimize for Performance
AtScale ensures Excel queries don’t slow down Snowflake:
- Uses automatic aggregate awareness to avoid full table scans
- Applies intelligent caching to reduce query redundancy
- Directs queries through the most efficient path to save compute resources
Implementation Tips
To maximize success:
- Identify user personas: Finance analysts, operations teams, executives, etc.
- Start small: Roll out to pilot teams first
- Tailor training: Build materials suited to each group’s comfort level
- Support early adopters: Set up Slack channels, FAQs, and office hours
What Success Looks Like
Track implementation impact with metrics like:
- Drop in Excel-based data extracts
- Improved data freshness in spreadsheets
- Increase in self-service Excel reports
- Lower Snowflake compute bills
- KPI consistency across teams
Empower Your Excel Users with Robust Snowflake Data
Excel isn’t going anywhere — and neither is Snowflake. What matters now is how seamlessly they work together. By implementing AtScale, organizations can empower Excel users with secure, real-time access to governed Snowflake data — no technical hurdles required. Check out this interactive demo to watch a live MDX connection between Excel workbooks and cloud data sources. Or contact us for more information.
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