Connecting to Diligent Data in Excel

How the Add-In Works

Understanding the connection architecture helps clarify how authentication, security, and data access work when using Diligent files.

Platform Overview

Authentication & Security

When you open a Diligent workbook, the add-in authenticates you with EBM's Microsoft Entra tenant using your email address and Microsoft credentials. This happens seamlessly if:

• You've accepted the email invitation from EBM to join as a Guest User
• Your organization allows cross-tenant access to TotalDynamicsSolutions.onmicrosoft.com
• Your account hasn't been offboarded from the Diligent environment

How the Add-In Behaves

• Auto-Detection: The add-in automatically detects when you open a Diligent workbook and initiates connection
• File Format: Modern Diligent files use .xlsx format (not .xlsm), making them cleaner and more secure
• On-Demand Connection: Data connections establish only when needed, reducing unnecessary authentication prompts
• DigiCert Signed: The add-in is digitally signed to ensure it hasn't been tampered with

Opening Diligent Workbooks

Opening Diligent workbooks is straightforward once the add-in is installed.

The EBM Tab in Excel

When the add-in is active, you'll see an EBM tab in the Excel ribbon. This tab provides quick access to key functions:

Authentication Process

The first time you open a Diligent workbook, you'll go through a brief authentication process. For comprehensive details on signing in and account setup, see the Diligent Access and Setup Guide.

Basic Authentication Steps

1

Accept EBM Email Invitation

You should have received an email from Microsoft inviting you to access EBM's applications as a Guest User. Click the invitation link and accept.

2

Sign In with Microsoft Account

When prompted by the add-in, enter your email address and password. Use your organization's Microsoft credentials (the same account you use for email and Microsoft 365).

3

Link Account to EBM Workspace (If Prompted)

If this is your first time accessing Diligent, you may be prompted to link your account to the EBM workspace. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this one-time setup.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Diligent account by requiring a second form of verification (in addition to your password) when you sign in.

Setting Up MFA

If your organization requires MFA, you'll be prompted to set it up the first time you sign in:

1. Download Microsoft Authenticator: Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
2. Scan QR Code: During sign-in, scan the QR code displayed on screen with the Authenticator app
3. Save Backup Codes: Microsoft will provide backup codes—save these in a secure location in case you lose access to your phone

Daily Sign-In with MFA

Once MFA is set up, you'll follow this process each time you sign in:

1

Enter Email and Password

Sign in with your normal Microsoft credentials.

2

Approve the Notification or Enter Code

Microsoft sends a notification to your Authenticator app. Tap Approve on your phone. Alternatively, enter the 6-digit code displayed in the app.

3

Optional: "Don't Ask Again for 14 Days"

You can check this option to skip MFA for 14 days on your current device. After 14 days, you'll be prompted again.

Alternative MFA Methods

Besides the Authenticator app, your IT department may configure these alternative methods:

• Text Message (SMS): Receive a code via text to your registered phone number
• Email: Receive a verification code via email (less common for security reasons)
• Phone Call: Receive an automated call with a verification code

MFA method availability is controlled by your organization's IT policies. Contact your IT department if you need to change methods or register additional devices.

MFA Troubleshooting

Refreshing Data

Diligent workbooks display a snapshot of data from the last refresh. To see current information, you must manually refresh.

Manual Refresh Process

1. Open your Diligent workbook in Excel
2. Click the EBM tab in the ribbon
3. Click Refresh Data
4. Wait for the refresh to complete (progress indicator appears)
5. Verify pivot tables and charts now show updated values

What Happens During Refresh

Working with Multiple Cubes

Some users have access to multiple Diligent cubes (e.g., Financial, Sales, Operations). You can switch between cubes within the same workbook.

Switching Cubes

1. Click the EBM tab in the ribbon
2. Click Connect to Cube
3. Select the cube you want to connect to from the list
4. Authenticate if prompted (credentials may be cached)
5. Refresh data to pull information from the new cube

Common Workflows

Daily Reporting Workflow

1. Open your saved Diligent workbook from a Trusted Location
2. Click Refresh Data in the EBM tab
3. Review updated pivot tables and charts
4. Export or share findings as needed
5. Save the file (data snapshot is preserved)

Monthly Analysis Workflow

1. Download the latest version of your reporting template
2. Open in Excel and allow the add-in to authenticate
3. Refresh data to pull current month's figures
4. Analyze trends using pivot tables and formulas
5. Save a dated copy for record-keeping (e.g., "Sales_Analysis_Jan2026.xlsx")

First-Time Connection Workflow

1. Accept EBM's email invitation to join as a Guest User
2. Download and install the Excel Add-In (see Installing the Excel Add-In)
3. Open a Diligent workbook and authenticate with your Microsoft credentials
4. Set up MFA if prompted by your organization
5. Configure Trusted Locations to eliminate future security warnings
6. Test data refresh to confirm everything works

Next Steps

If you encounter connection issues, authentication loops, or other problems, the Troubleshooting article provides detailed solutions for common scenarios.

Related Articles

Connecting to Diligent data in Excel is straightforward once the add-in is installed. The authentication process happens seamlessly in the background using your Microsoft credentials, and data refreshes with a single click. If you're setting up for the first time, allow a few minutes for the initial authentication and account linking—subsequent access will be much faster. For any connection issues or authentication problems, consult the Troubleshooting article or contact your IT department.