Upgrading to the EBM Excel Add-In: Full Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

EBM Software applications connect your data from Diligent and the data lake directly to your reports in Excel, and they do this via the EBM Excel Add-In. Once installed, your EBM-connected files will work seamlessly and stay working, allowing users to access their data cubes without having to support or maintain VBA macros.

Learn how to seamlessly transition to the EBM Excel Add-In for improved performance, security, and functionality. This comprehensive guide covers uninstalling the old version, installing the new one, testing it, and troubleshooting common issues. Skip ahead to installation instructions.

Important: Your team should collectively decide to adopt the EBM Add-In. This move helps avoid reliance on Microsoft Trusted Locations for file security. As Microsoft tightens security for VBA Macros, your EBM-connected files won't function without Trusted Locations enabled, unless you transition to the add-in.

• The creation of the EBM Excel Add-In stemmed from Microsoft's security hardening measures, which now require all macro-enabled files to be explicitly trusted. By adopting the add-in, this concern becomes obsolete, ensuring seamless functionality without the need for Trusted Locations.
• Additionally, EBM's transition to Microsoft Azure server infrastructure and the utilization of more robust tabular cubes have significantly enhanced data processing capabilities. Unlike the previous reliance on VBA macro-enabled files, which didn't support tabular-based models, the add-in now enables the usage of these advanced tabular cubes within XLSX files. Furthermore, tabular-based models seamlessly integrate with Power BI models and reporting, offering enhanced data visualization and analysis capabilities.

Therefore, transitioning to the EBM Add-In (introduced in 2023) has become an essential step in maintaining security and keeping up with technological advancements. While installation still isn't mandatory, it's recommended and will eventually become standard practice. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and implications of this upgrade for your workflow. Skip ahead to installation instructions.

Benefits

While not mandatory, there are compelling reasons to install the EBM Excel Add-In.

1. Smaller File Sizes: Enjoy significantly reduced file sizes, optimizing storage and improving performance.
2. Enhanced Security: Eliminate the need for Trusted Locations, enhancing overall file security.
3. Secure Design: Experience a more secure environment with no code persistence in files, minimizing vulnerabilities.
4. Improved Stability: Benefit from enhanced stability, reducing the likelihood of breaks or disruptions.
5. Credential Management: Store credentials securely in a cross-session manner, ensuring data integrity.
6. Modernization: Transition from .xlsm to .xlsx files for improved compatibility and modernization.
7. Macro Maintenance Elimination: Say goodbye to the hassle of maintaining VBA macros, ensuring smooth file operations.
8. Backward Compatibility: Even older files with VBA macros (.xlsm) remain fully functional, preserving legacy data.
9. Future-Proofing: Prepare for the future as Microsoft and EBM may phase out VBA macro support, ensuring continued effectiveness and security.
10. Infrastructure Upgrades: Stay ahead of evolving technology infrastructure requirements with the add-in, while still supporting older methods for a transitional period.
11. Enhanced Features: Enjoy faster performance, improved security, self-managed accounts, scalability, and compatibility with newer tabular cubes, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.

How it Works

Understand how the EBM Excel Add-In functions seamlessly with your EBM-connected files, eliminating the need for VBA macros while providing enhanced functionality and security. Here's how it works, what's changed, and what remains the same.

• Excel automatically detects whenever you download or open an EBM-connected file. It delivers the same functionality as the VBA Macro file.

• Files are now downloaded and operate in .xlsx format, eliminating the need for macro-enabled .xlsm file format.

• With some exceptions, authentication is handled via Microsoft Azure Active Directory, rather than standalone usernames and passwords.

• No continuous code execution; a secure connection is briefly established.

• The infrastructure supporting macro-enabled files remains unchanged, ensuring compatibility.

• Installation does not require administrative access.

• The Add-In is digitally signed by "Digicert" for security.

Installation Instructions

Follow the easy steps below to install the EBM Excel COM Add-in .msi package onto your local machine.

1. Before proceeding, ensure you don't already have the EBM Add-In installed. If you do, uninstall it using the following steps:
   • Close ALL Excel files.
   • Navigate to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
   • Find "EBMOfficeBridge" in the list and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts and restart your computer.
     
     
     
     
2. To install the latest version, visit our download landing page and provide your details.
3. Before starting the installation, close Excel.
4. Click on the 'Download Now' button to obtain the new Excel Add-In.
   
   
   
   
5. Run the MSI file and follow the on-screen prompts. If prompted by Excel to close, allow it to do so temporarily.
   
   
6. Share this information with your team to ensure they download and install the EBM Add-In.
7. Coordinate with your Blue Ops team to update legacy files using the Cube Updater tool after installation.

Confirm the Add-In is Installed

Once installed, the EBM Add-In will integrate into Excel and appear in the "Office Add-Ins" list. Here's how to verify installation and activation:

• • Go to Excel > File > Options > Add-ins > COM add-ins.
  • Ensure "EBM Office Bridge" is listed and enabled. If not, check the Disabled List and enable it if necessary.
    
    

Troubleshooting

Encounter any challenges or questions? Document them for review. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting suggestions.

• Quit and Restart: First rule of thumb with Excel before continuing to troubleshoot is to quit Excel and restart your machine. Please try that before continuing to troubleshoot.

• Login and Access Issues:

  • For issues with Microsoft sign-on, MFA, or security during installation/uninstallation, check our Multi Factor Authentication guide and contact your internal IT support team.

  • Confirm Website Access: Verify access to your designated EBM URL provided by your Blue Ops rep. Use your provided login credentials or follow the Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) process to sign in.
    
    
    
    

• EBM Add-in is Hidden: Confirm that the COM Add-In is not hidden in your Excel Ribbon. Right-click on the ribbon to access Excel options settings. Choose "Customize Ribbon" and ensure "EBM Office Bridge" is selected and not hidden.
  
  

• EBM Add-In is Disabled: Check to see if the COM Add-In is disabled in Excel and re-enable it.

  1. Navigate to File > Options > Add-Ins
     
     
  2. Under "Manage" at the bottom, toggle to Disabled Items and select Go.
     
     
     
  3. If EBMOfficeBridge appears in this list, click Enable.
     
     
     
     

• EBM Add-In is Unregistered: This may occur during installation errors, such as if the machine is restarted early during install. Check Control Panel for Add-In registration and provide details to EBM support.
  
  
  
  

• EBM Add-In Files are Deleted: Antivirus software may cause this issue. Locate plugin file folder (ebmofficebridge.msi) using Windows Explorer based on the file path location found in Excel > File > Options > Add-Ins > EBMOfficeBridge. If any files are missing from the folder, uninstall the application, and then delete the below folder, then attempt to reinstall. For additional assistance inform EBM support.
  
  
  
  
  

• Reinstall EBM Add-In: If all else fails, reinstall the program. First you must uninstall it. Follow the uninstallation instructions below to uninstall the MSI package from your machine. Then proceed by reinstalling the application. If encountering difficulties uninstalling or reinstalling the latest version of the add-in, ensure all Excel files are closed before proceeding.

• File Size Considerations: Files over 50 MB may cause issues; over 100 MB will always result in problems. Be cautious with formatting to prevent unnecessary file size growth.

Explore additional information on file size management and best practices.

How to Uninstall

Follow these simple instructions to quickly uninstall the EBM Excel Add-in.

1. Close ALL Excel Files:

   • Ensure that no Excel files are open on your computer. This includes any instances of Excel running in the background.

2. Navigate to Control Panel:

   • Click on the Start menu located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

   • Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and press Enter to open Control Panel.
     
     
     
     

3. Access Add or Remove Programs:

   • Within Control Panel, locate and click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features," depending on your Windows version.

   • This will open a list of installed programs on your computer.
     
     
     
     

4. Locate EBMOfficeBridge:

   • Scroll through the list of installed programs to find "EBMOfficeBridge."

   • You can also use the search function within the Control Panel to quickly locate the program.

5. Uninstall EBMOfficeBridge:

   • Once you've found "EBMOfficeBridge," select it by clicking on it once.

   • Click on the "Uninstall" button located at the top of the program list, or right-click on "EBMOfficeBridge" and select "Uninstall."
     
     
     
     

   • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process. This may include confirming your decision to uninstall and providing administrator permissions if prompted.

   • Allow the uninstallation process to complete. Depending on your computer's performance and the size of the program, this may take a few moments.

6. Restart Your Computer:

   • After the uninstallation process is complete, it's recommended to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.

   • Save any ongoing work and close any open programs before restarting your computer.

7. Contact EBM Support team for further assistance if issues persist.

Adopting the EBM Excel Add-In offers a streamlined approach to data management in Excel, enhancing security, compatibility, and efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can seamlessly transition to the add-in, unlocking its myriad benefits while ensuring a smooth workflow for you and your team. Should you encounter any challenges along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to our EBM Support team for assistance.