How to Avoid Common Catalyst, Excel, and Data Issues

1. Data and Access Availability

Stable access and connectivity are critical for seamless integrations and automated processing.

Best Practices

• Submit all required files on time.
  Missing files delay or halt data processing. Set reminders and designate owners for recurring submissions.
• Maintain reliable network connectivity.
  Network interruptions can block access to your systems. Assign someone to monitor connectivity and notify EBM of outages.
• Keep access permissions consistent.
  Changing user or group permissions without notice can disrupt data integrations. Contact EBM before making any changes.
• Monitor your Integration Runtime.
  The Integration Runtime must be running for data to flow. Set up internal monitoring and inform EBM of any issues. Learn more ›
• Maintain stable database permissions and availability.
  Coordinate any planned permission updates or server maintenance with EBM in advance.
• Ensure continuous database server uptime.
  If your database server goes offline, data ingestion will fail until access is restored.
• Communicate upcoming infrastructure changes.
  • Notify EBM of ERP Migrations: Inform EBM at least four weeks before migrating to a new ERP system to ensure seamless integration and uninterrupted service. Learn more ›
  • Communicate Server Changes Promptly: Engage EBM at least three weeks prior to any server changes or migrations to maintain data integrity. Learn more ›
  • Set Up a Distribution List for Catalyst Alerts: Create a distribution list in your email system to centralize alert management and simplify recipient updates. Learn more ›

2. File and Structure Management

Small, uncommunicated file changes can have a major impact on system performance and data accuracy.

Best Practices

• Keep file layouts consistent.
  Modifying layout, headers, or tabs can cause compatibility issues. Test and coordinate all changes with EBM before implementation.
• Preserve column names and order.
  Renaming or rearranging columns can break integration mappings. Confirm changes ahead of time.
• Validate data formats and types.
  Ensure data matches expected types (e.g., date, text, numeric) to avoid ingestion errors.
• Use consistent file naming conventions.
  Maintain a standard file-naming structure such as CompanyName_DataType_YYYYMMDD.xlsx.
• Avoid untested structural changes.
  Add new fields or modify tab structures only after confirming that your integration supports them.
• Minimize large or redundant files.
  Files that are too large or contain unnecessary data slow down processing. Optimize before submitting.

3. Catalyst Configuration

Proper setup and maintenance in Catalyst ensure data continues to flow and display accurately.

Best Practices

• Add new companies correctly.
  When new entities are added to your ERP, create corresponding company profiles in Catalyst to avoid ingestion failures. Learn how ›
• Do not modify automated hierarchies.
  Automated hierarchies are system-managed. Editing them manually can create data inconsistencies—consult EBM before making changes. Learn more ›
• Create new scenarios and calendars for each fiscal year.
  Always set up the next year’s scenarios and fiscal calendars before data begins loading. Catalyst automatically generates a new Actuals scenario, but Forecast and other scenarios should be created manually.
  • Create or manage scenarios ›
  • Set up a new fiscal or calendar year ›
• Keep permissions aligned.
  When new companies or hierarchies are added, review and update user or group permissions so users can access the correct data.

For additional guidance, please visit Catalyst Best Practices ›

4. Excel Best Practices

Excel files connected to Catalyst or Smartload cubes require specific setup and management for best performance.

Best Practices

• Ensure files are accessible and unlocked.
  Password-protected or locked files block automated access. Remove restrictions before submitting. Learn more ›
• Remove unauthorized queries or connections.
  Unmanaged data connections may cause refresh errors. Review and clean up before using in Catalyst workflows. Learn more ›
• Optimize file sizes.
  Remove unused sheets, clear pivot caches, and reduce formulas to improve refresh performance. Learn more ›
• Save to Trusted Locations.
  Microsoft requires external-data files to be opened from trusted folders. Configure these in Excel and use them consistently. Learn how ›
• Install and maintain the EBM Excel Add-In.
  To use data cubes in Excel that are connected to Catalyst, you must have the EBM Excel Add-In installed on your local machine.
  If you experience connection, refresh, or performance issues, see the Excel Add-In Troubleshooting Guide for common workarounds and known issues.
• Resolve repeated login prompts.
  Clear Excel credentials and cache, ensure only one Microsoft account is signed in, and confirm Azure AD/SSO settings with IT if the issue persists. Learn more ›
• Use Excel co-authoring with care.
  When co-authoring Catalyst-connected Excel files, follow best practices to avoid conflicts and refresh issues. Learn more ›
• Check for errors when opening new or recently cube-updated files.
  If you encounter warning messages or failed connections after cube updates, review this guide for resolutions. Learn more ›

For more details, see Optimizing Excel Files for Improved Performance ›

Final Notes

Most integration or data issues occur when file structures, permissions, or configurations change without coordination.
To keep your systems stable:

• Keep files, names, and hierarchies consistent.
• Communicate upcoming changes early.
• Monitor integrations regularly.
• Coordinate with EBM before modifying connected systems.

Need Help? We’re standing by! If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, feel free to reach out anytime by starting a live chat from Catalyst or submitting a support request directly.