---
title: "Linking Variables to Integrated Data"
description: "To use the data you integrated via a connection to a source system in your variables in Lucanet xP&A , you can link the variables to the integrated data. \n\nYou can use this function to perform forecasts based on historicals, for example.\n\nWhen a variable is linked to integarted data, it will take its value from the data if data exists, and will fall back to its formula if data does not exist (usually only beyond the Last actual date).\n\nYou have different options to link variables to integrated data:\n\nYou can link a new variable while creating it.\nYou can link existing variables.\nYou can link a variable from the data preview.\nYou can create a model from a data source in one click.\n\n\nYou can see which data items (from which data sources) are being used at a glance in the Data column:"
source_url: https://support.lucanet.cloud/en/documentation/xp-a---extended-planning-and-analysis/integrating-data/working-with-integrated-data/linking-variables-to-integrated-data
language: en
last_updated: 2023-08-16
---
# Linking Variables to Integrated Data

## Overview

To use the data you integrated via a connection to a source system in your variables, you can link the variables to the integrated data.

You can use this function to perform forecasts based on historicals, for example.

When a variable is linked to integrated data, it will take its value from the data if data exists, and will fall back to its formula if data does not exist (usually only beyond the [Last actual date](https://support.lucanet.cloud/en/documentation/xp-a---extended-planning-and-analysis/modeling-your-data/working-with-time/last-actual-date.md)).

You have different options to link variables to integrated data:

- You can link a new variable while creating it.
- You can link existing variables.
- You can link a variable from the data preview.
- You can create a model from a data source in one click.

You can see which data items (from which data sources) are being used at a glance in the **Data** column and the top bar of spreadsheet:

Linked data shown in the 'Data' column

## Linking a New Variable to Integrated Data

To create a new variable linked to integrated data:

{% stepper %}
{% stepper-step %}
Click **New Variable** at the end of a section.

Creating a new variable

{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
The following drop-down menu is displayed:

Dropdown menu for a new variable

{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Click **Create from data** and select or search for the data source for which you want to integrate data.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Select from the dropdown list or search for the **data item** you want to use in the new variable.

 The data is integrated into the variable.

{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
If necessary, modify the variable's [format type](https://support.lucanet.cloud/en/documentation/xp-a---extended-planning-and-analysis/modeling-your-data/create-edit-variables.md#formtyps) by clicking on the icon or the icon to the left of the variable name.

{% /stepper-step %}
{% /stepper %}
{% info-box %}
For more information on variables and how to format and edit them, see [Creating and Editing Variables](https://support.lucanet.cloud/en/documentation/xp-a---extended-planning-and-analysis/modeling-your-data/create-edit-variables.md).
{% /info-box %}

## Linking an Existing Variable to Integrated Data

To link an **existing variable** to a **data item**, click in the **Data** column of the variable and choose the data source and data item you would like to connect:

Linking from the data column

## Linking a Variable from the Data Preview

To link a variable to the data item of a data source from the data preview:

{% stepper %}
{% stepper-step %}
Click the name of the data source in the overview of the model to **open the data preview**.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
In the row of the desired data item, click the pen icon in the **Linked variables** column.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
**Choose the variable** you want to link the data item to from the dropdown list that appears. (If the variable does not yet exist, you can [create it](https://support.lucanet.cloud/en/documentation/xp-a---extended-planning-and-analysis/modeling-your-data/create-edit-variables.md) from here by clicking **New variable**.)

{% /stepper-step %}
{% /stepper %}
Linking from the data preview

## Removing Links From a Variable to Integrated Data

To remove a link from a variable to the data item of a data source, choose one of the following options:

- **To remove all links** from all variables to a data source within a model, open the **three-dot menu** behind the name of the data source in the **overview** of the model and choose **Remove from model**:
Removing link from all variables

- **To remove the link from individual variables** to a data source within a model, open the **data preview** of the model, click the pen icon and then on the variable you want to remove:
Removing a link from individual variables

## Creating a Model From a Data Source With One Click

If you want to build a model based on underlying integrated data, you can create the model structure in one click. You can use this feature, e.g. to quickly generate a skeleton for a model, such as a P&L model based on a P&L in Xero/QuickBooks.

Each variable is automatically named according to the line items, and is automatically connected to the line item in the data source.

To do so, open the **Data** workspace and choose **Create model from data source** from the three-dot menu of the desired data source:

Creating a model from a data source

## Blanks in Integrated Data

If you have **blank values** in integrated data that are used in variables, xP&A will treat them **as 0 by default**, unless you change the data settings to have blanks treated as blanks.

This is useful if you want to exclude the blank values in data from calculations like averages, min/max etc.

**Example**:

**avg(5,10,blank)** with the setting **Treat as blank** will result in **avg(5,10) = 7.5.**

To change the settings how blanks are treated in an integrated data item, click the **data icon** in the **Data** column of a model and choose **Advanced settings**:

Advanced settings of integrated data

Under **Blanks in data**, select if you want to **treat blanks as zero (default)** or if you want to **treat them as blanks**.

'Blanks in data' option