Datasheet
Again, this analysis could be done in Excel, but you would have to take this
back to your desk to create different scenarios on different tabs, effectively
making everyone wait for your answers. With Crystal Xcelsius, you can have
everyone in the room as you test out the various scenarios in real-time,
allowing for on-the-spot decision making.
Crystal Xcelsius under the Hood
With your newly found perspective on Crystal Xcelsius and what it can do for
you, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get started building your first
dashboard. But before I show you how to do that, you need to understand
how Crystal Xcelsius really works.
In a nutshell, Crystal Xcelsius imports a snapshot of your Excel file, allows
you to build a visual model by tying components to your data, compiles your
final dashboard to a Flash SWF file, and then publishes your final dashboard
to a chosen format. SWF (often pronounced swiff) is the vector-based graphics
format designed to run in the Macromedia Flash Player. Figure 1-10 illustrates
the basic workflow for a Crystal Xcelsius report.
Remember that Crystal Xcelsius is designed to work only with Excel XLS files.
Therefore, you can not import other types of files such as text files (txt, csv,
dbf) or Access MDB files. The good news, however, is that Excel spreadsheets
of any size can be used in Crystal Xcelsius. Just keep in mind that the amount
of data that is being moved and changed in your visualization can affect the
performance of your dashboard.
Figure 1-10:
The basic
workflow for
a Crystal
Xcelsius
report.
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Chapter 1: Introducing Crystal Xcelsius
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