Before you can analyze data, you have to get to it (or them, if you're a "data is plural" sort of person). Don't you sometimes wish you could simply "Google Map" your data topology to see the quickest route to get to it?

Sometimes, point-and-click applications make it almost too easy to access precious data resources using inefficient paths. This example, adapted from SAS for Dummies, describes some of the concepts behind data connections and how to select the "fattest pipe" possible.

As a bonus, the example includes an illustrative video that uses M&Ms as a prop -- something that those of us who work at SAS understand very well.

(And near the end of the video, if you watch closely, you'll notice my little "helper" who also identified well with M&Ms.)