When downloading data from the official data warehouse, you have two export methods:
1) Standard Download (Default)
Creates a static Excel file containing a snapshot of the data at the time of download
The file will not automatically update when the underlying data changes (e.g., when new school year data is added, when records are updated, or when corrections are made)
To access updated data, you must return to this page and download a fresh copy
Best for: One-time analysis, archival purposes, or situations where you need a fixed reference point
2) Create Refreshable Workbook (Experimental)
Creates an Excel file with a live connection to the official data warehouse
The workbook can be refreshed to pull the latest data without re-downloading
Updates are retrieved on-demand when you manually refresh the connection in Excel (Data → Refresh All)
The connection settings and data source remain embedded in the workbook
Note: This is a newer, experimental feature—you may encounter occasional issues
Best for: Regular reporting, dashboards, or ongoing analysis where you need current data
Which should I choose?