KB31241: "This operation requires the merged cells to be identically sized." error message appears when sorting columns in a Microsoft Excel document generated by MicroStrategy Narrowcast 8.x to 9.0.

SYMPTOM:
 
When the user sorts an Excel document generated by Strategy Narrowcast 8.x to 9.0, the following error occurs:
 

Sample Code/Error
This operation requires the merged cells to be identically sized
 
CAUSE:
 
This issue is caused by the rows and metric columns are merged. See the screen shot below:
 

 
In this example, the row header "item" and "Metrics" column are not merged. However, the item a and the following rows are all merged. Therefore, this Excel document cannot be sorted.
 
ACTION:
 
Except for manually merging the row header and the "Metrics" column header, an option called "Overlap grid title" in the Narrowcast document editor removes the "Metrics" header. Please follow steps below:

• Launch the service wizard in Strategy Narrowcast console.
• Edit the document.
• Click on "Advanced Properties"
• Under "General" tab, check the "Overlap grid titles" option:
  

• Confirm all changes.