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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
3 years ago
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Using PowerAutomate to refresh a Dataset

Has anyone used PowerAutomate to refresh a dataset after more than 1 Dataflow is refreshed? The UI seems straightforward if you're only checking one Dataflow, but it doesn't seem to let you check more than 1 Dataflow to trigger the dataset refresh.

 

So that has me thinking about how we set up our Dataflows to begin with. Essentially we re-use dataflows in multiple dashboards, so it made sense to only load them once, and call those Dataflows in the appropriate dashboard. However now that I'm looking into PowerAutomate, I may need to load everything I need for one dashboard into a single Dataflow, so that I can automate the dataset refreshes.


Curious to know if anyone has run into similar issues, and how you handled it. Thanks!

  • lbendlin's avatar
    lbendlin
    3 years ago

    let's assume you have four dataflows. You have an excel file where each dataflow adds a row once finished. Then you have a separate flow that runs periodically (or on a file change trigger) and checks if that table has four rows. If yes - initiate the dataset refresh.  

6 Replies

  • In Power Automate you can create processes where a dataflow refresh would increase a counter (for example). Then you can have a separate flow that checks if that counter has reached 4  (for example), and trigger the dataset refresh accordingly.

     

    However - as you are considering - the beauty of dataflow refreshes is that they can be done as needed rather than on a common schedule.  So you can decide if a  dataflow refresh does warrant an immediate dataset refresh or not.

    • Anonymous's avatar
      Anonymous
      Not applicable

      Is it possible to have that separate flow where you check counters be automated? I like the idea of that solution, just not sure how to execute on it. I don't see an option in automated cloud flows to monitor a variable or counter like you described.

      • lbendlin's avatar
        lbendlin
        Icon for Super User rankSuper User

        You need a place to store that counter.  Easiest would be a file in a sharepoint document library, or a cell in an Excel file.  A glorified semaphore.