Summary

Strive to use a repeatable method in your PowerPivot development efforts. Over time, this will lead to a robust library of PowerPivot solutions instead of a tangled mess of spreadsheets with little rhyme or reason known as a spreadmart. In addition to creating a durable decision-making tool, you will hopefully avoid a few of the pitfalls of an initial product release. Lastly, keep in mind the following key points from this chapter:

• Embrace failure in your PowerPivot efforts. Given the compact and generally portable nature of PowerPivot for Excel, you will only have one artifact to delete.
• Consider using a dimensional construct for your PowerPivot data models.
• Employ a revision control system. It's always nice to have a global rewind button on your projects.
• Rename names created by PowerPivot early. You won't regret the effort in both renaming and maintaining your naming standard.

Leverage existing Excel features where possible.