DataLink Excel Add-in - Connect Excel to Flarelight

What is DataLink?

Flarelight DataLink is a Microsoft Excel add-in that seamlessly connects your Excel spreadsheets with the Flarelight platform. It allows you to import data from Flarelight directly into Excel and export your Excel data back to Flarelight for processing and analysis.

Why Use DataLink?

DataLink bridges the gap between Excel's familiar interface and Flarelight's powerful cloud-based analytics. You can work with your data locally in Excel while maintaining seamless integration with Flarelight's import and preparation workflows.

Key Benefits

• 📊 Seamless Data Sync: Download data from Flarelight into Excel and upload Excel worksheets back to Flarelight
• 🔐 Secure Access: Safe authentication with your Flarelight account
• ⚙️ Easy Setup: Simple configuration with your subscription details
• 🎨 Familiar Interface: Works within Excel's native environment
• 📱 Cross-Platform: Available for Excel on Windows, Mac, and Web

How It Works

Typical Workflow

1. Download Data: Pull data from Flarelight's Import and Preparation modules into Excel
2. Work Locally: Use Excel's familiar tools, formulas, and analysis features
3. Prepare Data: Clean, transform, and prepare your data using Excel's capabilities
4. Upload Results: Send your processed data back to Flarelight for further analysis

Who Uses DataLink?

• Data Analysts: Import datasets from Flarelight, perform analysis in Excel, and upload results
• Business Users: Download reports from Flarelight, customize them in Excel, and push updates back
• Data Scientists: Extract datasets for local experimentation and upload processed results
• Report Creators: Import data, create formatted reports in Excel, and sync back to Flarelight

Getting Started

What You Need

• Microsoft Excel (2016 or later) or Excel for the Web
• Flarelight Account with active subscription
• Subscription ID from your Flarelight account

Installation Steps

1. Install the Add-in: In Excel, go to Insert → Add-ins → Upload My Add-in → Select the DataLink manifest file
2. Configure Settings: Click the ⚙️ settings button → Enter your subscription ID → Select your region
3. Sign In: Click "Sign In" → Complete authentication with your Flarelight credentials

Using DataLink

Importing Data from Flarelight

1. Click "Get Data" in the DataLink interface
2. Choose Data Source: Select from Import or Preparation tabs and pick your dataset
3. Download: Data is automatically formatted and inserted into your Excel worksheet
4. Start Working: Your Excel worksheet now contains the Flarelight data

Uploading Data to Flarelight

1. Prepare Your Data: Ensure your Excel worksheet has headers in the first row
2. Click "Upload Data" in the DataLink interface
3. Choose Upload Type: New Import or Existing Import (append/replace)
4. Configure Upload: Enter name/description and choose notification settings
5. Upload: Data is sent to Flarelight and ready for processing

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Add-in Won't Load: Check that HTTPS is enabled and your Excel version is supported
• Can't Sign In: Verify your subscription ID and check your internet connection
• Data Sync Problems: Ensure you have proper permissions and check for data format issues
• Upload Failures: Make sure your Excel data has headers and check file size limits

Getting Help

• Contact Support: Email support@flarelight.cloud for technical assistance
• Report Issues: Access your subscription page and use the built-in issue management system
• Community: Connect with other users for tips and best practices at https://github.com/orgs/flarelight-io/discussions

Best Practices

Data Organization

• Use Headers: Always include column headers in the first row
• Clean Data: Remove empty rows and columns before uploading
• Consistent Formatting: Use consistent date and number formats
• Descriptive Names: Use clear, descriptive names for your imports