The Excel Add-In is required to access Diligent data in Excel. This modern add-in replaces legacy .xlsm files with secure, cloud-connected .xlsx workbooks that refresh automatically and integrate seamlessly with Power BI. This guide covers system requirements, installation steps, and verification to get you up and running quickly.
Why the Add-In is Required
The Excel Add-In is the bridge between Excel and your Diligent data. Without it installed, Diligent workbooks won't connect to data sources, refresh properly, or display current information.
The add-in enables modern .xlsx files to connect securely to Diligent's cloud-based data infrastructure, providing real-time access to cubes and analysis services without the security risks and maintenance overhead of legacy .xlsm macro files.
Legacy .xlsm Files vs. Modern Add-In Approach
| Aspect | Legacy .xlsm Files | Modern Add-In (.xlsx) |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | .xlsm (macro-enabled) | .xlsx (standard Excel) |
| Security Warnings | Frequent macro warnings, requires enabling | Minimal warnings with Trusted Locations |
| File Size | Large (macros embedded in each file) | Smaller (add-in installed once) |
| Maintenance | Each file must be updated individually | One add-in update applies to all files |
| Authentication | Basic credential storage | Modern Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) SSO |
| Cube Support | Limited to specific cube connections | Connect to any authorized cube |
| Power BI Integration | Not supported | Full integration with dashboards |
Installation Requirements
Before installing, verify your system meets these requirements:
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later
- Excel Version: Excel 2016 or later (Microsoft 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2021)
- Internet Connection: Required for downloading installer and connecting to Diligent data
- Active Diligent Account: You must have valid credentials provided by your EBM representative
Administrative Rights
Administrator Access Required for Installation Only
You need administrator rights to install the add-in, but not for daily use. If you don't have admin access, contact your IT department to install the add-in for you. Once installed, you can use Diligent files with standard user permissions.
Network and Firewall Requirements
The add-in connects to Diligent's cloud infrastructure through secure HTTPS connections. Ensure the following are accessible through your network:
- Port 443 (HTTPS) must be open for outbound connections
-
Whitelisted domains:
-
pub.yourdiligentdomain.com(replace with your specific Diligent URL) *.yourdiligentdomain.comlogin.microsoftonline.comlogin.windows.netaadcdn.msftauth.netsecure.aadcdn.microsoftonline-p.comgraph.microsoft.com
-
Microsoft Entra Cross-Tenant Access
Diligent users are Guest Users in EBM's Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) tenant. Your organization's IT administrators must allow cross-tenant access:
- Navigate to Microsoft Entra admin center → External Identities → Cross-tenant access settings
- Ensure
TotalDynamicsSolutions.onmicrosoft.comis allowed for B2B collaboration - Verify user invitations and authentication from this tenant are permitted
See Microsoft's cross-tenant access documentation for detailed configuration steps.
Additional Requirements
- User Permissions: Your Windows user account must have permission to install COM Add-ins for Office applications
- Internet Stability: A stable internet connection is required during installation and when using Diligent files
- Existing Installations: Uninstall old versions of the add-in before installing updates
- Software Updates: Keep Excel and Windows updated to avoid compatibility issues
Installation Process
Installing the add-in takes about 5 minutes and requires a computer restart.
Check for Existing Installation
Before installing, verify if the add-in is already installed: Excel → File → Options → Add-ins → Manage: COM Add-ins → Go. Look for "EBM Office Bridge" in the list.
Download the Installer
Visit blueopspartners.com/support/addin and click the download button.
⚠️ Note: If the download button doesn't appear, disable your ad blocker temporarily and refresh the page.
Close All Excel Files
Before running the installer, close all open Excel files. Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to ensure no Excel processes are running in the background.
Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded EBMOfficeBridge.msi file and follow the installation wizard. The installer is digitally signed by DigiCert.
Restart Your Computer
After installation completes, restart your computer. This ensures the add-in registers properly with Excel and Windows.
Verifying Installation
After restarting, confirm the add-in installed successfully:
- Open Excel
- Go to File → Options → Add-ins
- At the bottom, select Manage: COM Add-ins from the dropdown
- Click Go
- Look for "EBM Office Bridge" in the list with a checkmark next to it
✅ Installation Successful
If you see "EBM Office Bridge" with a checkmark, installation is complete. You can now open Diligent workbooks and connect to data.
📁 Trusted Locations May Still Be Required
Even with the add-in installed, your organization's security settings may require you to configure Trusted Locations in Excel. This prevents security warnings when opening Diligent files. See Creating Trusted Locations in Excel for setup instructions.
Working with Your IT Department
If your IT department will be deploying the add-in organization-wide or assisting with installation, share these technical details:
- Admin Access: Required for installation only, not daily use
- Deployment Method: Standard .msi installer supports Group Policy deployment
- Trusted Locations: May need to configure via Group Policy for corporate environments
- Digital Signature: Installer is signed by DigiCert for verification
- Firewall Requirements: Port 443 outbound to domains listed in Network Requirements
-
Cross-Tenant Access: Must allow
TotalDynamicsSolutions.onmicrosoft.comin Microsoft Entra settings
Uninstalling the Add-In
If you need to uninstall the add-in (for example, to install an updated version):
- Close all Excel files
- Open Control Panel → Programs and Features
- Find EBMOfficeBridge in the program list
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts
- Restart your computer
Next Steps
With the add-in installed, you're ready to connect to Diligent data in Excel. The next article walks through opening workbooks, authenticating, and refreshing data.
Related Articles
📚 Excel Add-In Article Suite
System requirements, installation process, and verification steps (current article)
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Authentication, MFA setup, and data refresh workflows
Troubleshooting the Excel Add-In
Solutions for connection issues, disabled add-ins, and performance problems
The Excel Add-In is essential for accessing Diligent data in Excel. Installation is straightforward and typically takes less than 10 minutes including the required restart. Once installed, the add-in works seamlessly in the background—you'll only interact with it when opening Diligent files or refreshing data. If you encounter issues during installation, consult the Troubleshooting article or contact your IT department for assistance.
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