Enhancing PowerPoint Presentations with SAS for Microsoft 365
SAS for Microsoft 365 enables seamless integration of SAS analytics within Microsoft applications, enhancing productivity and presentation quality. In this post, we'll share practical tips for working with SAS Viya report objects in PowerPoint, including resizing and removing objects and modifying table values. While these demonstrations use the PowerPoint desktop app, they can also be applied in the web app.
For an introduction to using SAS for Microsoft 365 with PowerPoint, check out Using PowerPoint with SAS for Microsoft 365 as a Sales Storyteller - SAS Users
For more general information about SAS for Microsoft 365, visit SAS for Microsoft 365 | SAS.
Setting Up the Presentation
To begin, create a blank PowerPoint presentation and navigate to SAS Viya > Home to open the SAS Viya pane. For this demonstration, we’ll use the Warranty Analysis report, which analyzes warranty costs and trends across years, labor groups, and claims. You can access this report by selecting the Reports tab > SAS Content > Products > SAS Visual Analytics > Samples.
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Resizing a Plot to Fit the Space
When inserting the Cost by Primary Labor Group bar chart, you might notice that the x-axis tick labels are staggered. If you expand the chart to make it larger, it may initially appear distorted. To resolve this:
- Expand the graph in the PowerPoint slide.
- Hover over the chart in the SAS Viya pane and click Object menu > Update in Document.
Alternatively, you can select the chart in the slide and click the Update in document icon 
Removing a Report Object from a Presentation
If a report object is no longer needed, your first instinct might be to click and delete it. However, doing so may cause issues if you later want to reinsert the same object—the Insert in document option will no longer be available.
To completely remove the object:
- Hover over the object in the SAS Viya pane.
- Click Remove from document.
- You can now reinsert the object by selecting Insert in document.
Keep in mind that any customizations to the object's size or other features will reset to their default settings. You can adjust these defaults via the Home tab > More Options > Preferences.
Modifying Table Values
When you insert a details table, it is added as a graphic, meaning that you can’t modify the values directly. To make edits:
- Select the table in PowerPoint.
- Go to the Graphics Format tab and click Convert to Shape.
This allows you to edit the table values, such as renaming the Primary Labor Group column to Main Labor Group. However, note that converting to a shape breaks the table’s link to SAS, so it can no longer be updated via the SAS Viya pane.
Conclusion
SAS for Microsoft 365 provides a powerful way to integrate SAS analytics directly into Microsoft PowerPoint, enabling users to create dynamic and visually compelling presentations. By following the tips outlined in this post—such as resizing objects, properly removing and reinserting objects, and modifying table values—you can maximize the flexibility and functionality of your presentations.
Whether you're exploring warranty data or presenting insights from another domain, SAS for Microsoft 365 empowers you to craft presentations that effectively communicate your story. Dive in, experiment, and let SAS help you bring your data to life!
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