RASON Desktop allows models to exchange data with Excel and Power BI. This makes it possible to build and test a model in RASON Desktop, then connect the model to business data, solve it, and write the results back to the workbook or report.
Importing Data
Use importing when a RASON model needs to read input values from either a Power BI report or Microsoft Excel workbook. Imported data may include parameters, tables, constraints, demand values, costs, employee preferences, or other model inputs. Once the data is imported, it can be used directly by the RASON model during the solve.
For example, a scheduling model may import employee preference rankings from Excel or Power BI. The model then uses those rankings to assign employees to schedules while satisfying staffing requirements.
Exporting Data
RASON Desktop exports all generated dataframes by default. Use an explicit export function when you want to control which results are exported, reduce unnecessary output, or prepare a cleaner set of dataframes for Excel or Power BI.
Why Importing and Exporting Matter
Importing and exporting allow a RASON model to be used as part of a complete reporting workflow. Users can update inputs in Excel or Power BI, solve the model with RASON, and write the updated results back to Excel or Power BI for analysis and visualization. Once the Power BI report or Microsoft Excel workbook is created, users can change inputs and review results without returning to Visual Studio Code to modify the model.
Best Practices for Importing and Exporting
When setting up imports and exports, use clear and consistent names for each dataframe so the results are easy to identify in Excel or Power BI. Export only the results needed for reporting, such as final decision values, objective values, simulation statistics, or summary tables. This keeps the workbook or report cleaner and easier to maintain.
Before sharing the workbook or report with others, test the full workflow by changing an input value, solving the model, and confirming that the updated results appear in the correct Excel ranges or Power BI visuals.