Analysis Toolpak

[Expiry]

I've just enabled this for the first time, so that I can use a networkdays formula.

I know there are a few formulae that only work when this is enabled, so my question is why is it not enabled as standard?

Is it really worth using the formulae that come with this (I've got by for 10 years without, and even the one I've used today, I could find a work around with standard formulae)?

I'm assuming it's a memory/ performance issue or something. If anyone has any strong opinion - good or bad - on this, I'd be very interested to hear it.

Much obliged.

 

[Domski]

I have to admit I'm not sure why it has never been made standard. It's a particular bugbear of mine that so many useful formula are hidden away in it. One of my favourites is EDATE which I use quite a lot.

Dom

 

[Lewiy]

I guess really it’s only useful for more advanced use of Excel with finance, engineering, etc. and is therefore unnecessary for the majority of Excel users. Possibly along the lines of….if you need it, you know where it is, if you don’t need it then you are unaware of it’s existence.
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However, apparently the functions in the analysis toolpak are now standard native functions built in to XL2007. Perhaps someone can verify that??

 

[lenze]

It was a memory problem, which no longer exists. We all have plenty of RAM now. I've heard it is part of the Excell 2007 install.

 

[Richard Schollar]

Yup the ATP functions are available as standard in xl2007

 

[Expiry]

Well, that's good to know. I think the problem with it is, I have to design a spreadsheet for others to use. So I have to tell everyone to 'install' the Analysis Toolpak to enable what I'm doing for them, potentially. To anyone that doesn't know Excel, that could sound like a massive job.

 

[Richard Schollar]

Many of the functions within the ATP can be replaced with standard Excel formulas (although generally pretty complicated looking ones) - Barry Houdini is the master when it comes to these. In many of his posts you will find formulas he has given which can be used if the ATP is not available/not desired. Specifically NETWORKDAYS, WORKDAY, WEEKNUM, EOMONTH...