Excel Formula for Refreshing Data

In Excel, there isn't a direct formula that refreshes a data connection or module. However, you can automate the refresh of data connections using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code.

Key Components

1. VBA Macro: A procedure that you can run to refresh data connections.
2. Workbook Connections: These are data sources that you may have connected to your Excel file.

VBA Code to Refresh All Data Connections

To create a macro that refreshes all data connections in your workbook, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Press ALT + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications window.
3. Insert a new module:
   • Right-click on any of the items in the "Project Explorer."
   • Select Insert > Module.
4. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the module:

Sub RefreshAllConnections()
    ' Refresh all data connections in the active workbook
    ThisWorkbook.RefreshAll
End Sub

5. Close the VBA editor.
6. You can run this macro by pressing ALT + F8, selecting RefreshAllConnections, and clicking Run.

Explanation of the VBA Code

• Sub RefreshAllConnections(): This begins the definition of a new subroutine (macro) named RefreshAllConnections.
• ThisWorkbook.RefreshAll: This line calls the RefreshAll method on the ThisWorkbook object, which refers to the workbook in which the macro is running. This method refreshes all data connections automatically.

Practical Example

Assuming you have a pivot table that pulls data from an external source (like a SQL database or an online service):

1. After setting up your pivot table, create the macro using the steps outlined above.
2. Whenever you want to update your pivot table with new data, simply run the RefreshAllConnections macro.
3. The pivot table will reflect the most current data available from the connection.

Conclusion

While there is no direct Excel formula to refresh a module or data source, using VBA provides an effective workaround. By implementing the above code, users can systematically refresh data connections in their workbooks, ensuring their analyses are built on the most recent data.

For advanced data manipulation and functionality, you may consider exploring resources on the Enterprise DNA Platform to enhance your capabilities in Excel and data analysis.