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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
1 year ago
Solved

Best Practice for Editing Semantic Model

Hi,   I am currently working on a project in Power BI Desktop. The data source is SharePoint (from Power Apps), and I imported it into Power BI service. When I connect to the Power BI semantic mode...
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  • danextian's avatar
    danextian
    1 year ago

    Hi Anonymous 

     

    It looks like you're connecting to a semantic model using live connection. This type of connection doesnt allow editing the model so changes to it other than creating new measures must be done in the model itself.  For changes that do not require  ETL, you will be able to edit the model in the service (if enabled by your tenant admin). For changes that requires the query editor, you will need to edit in Desktop and republish the model.

     

    Should I edit in Power BI service directly and should I make a copy of the original semantic model?

    Making a copy fo the original semantic model defeats the purpose of being able to create thin reports out of it.  You will  end up maintaining too many semantic models that serve the same purpose.

     

    Should I only do the minimal transformation in PBI service (data type only) or should I also create columns and measures in PBI service? You can't do this with live connection so it is necessary to do the needed ETL in the  semantic model itself and ideally as upstream as possible (at the source).

     

    If you need to bring in more data but want to use the existing semantic models, you can connect to those using direct query. If initially using a live connection, adding another data source will prompt you to create a local copy of the model. RLS and permission from the referenced semantic model will still apply.

  • 123abc's avatar
    123abc
    1 year ago

    You’re welcome! Given your scenario, here are some steps you can follow to import data from the semantic model into Power BI Desktop:

    1. Use Power BI Service Live Connection:

    2. Workaround for Import Mode:

      • If you need to work in import mode, you can use a workaround by connecting through the Analysis Services connector:

    3. Export to Excel and Import:

    These methods should help you manage and refresh your semantic model effectively in Power BI Desktop. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

     

    Please also follow below link ... May it will help you.

    Connect to and transform data for a semantic model  – Tabular Editor Blog

    Connect to semantic models in the Power BI service from Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

    Solved: Import Table from Power BI Semantic Model - Microsoft Fabric Community

Ritaf1983's avatar
Ritaf1983
Super User
1 year ago

Hi Anonymous 

It’s important to clarify whether your semantic model is using DirectQuery or Import mode, as the capabilities and best practices differ between the two:

DirectQuery Mode:

  1. Limitations:

    • You cannot edit data types or add calculated columns in Power Query or Desktop.
    • Your transformations are limited to creating measures (DAX) in Power BI Desktop.

  2. Recommendations:

    • Use DAX in Power BI Desktop to create measures.
    • If changes to data types or columns are necessary, make them in the source system (e.g., Power Apps or SharePoint).
    • DirectQuery is useful for near real-time updates, but it comes at the cost of flexibility and performance.

Import Mode:

  1. Advantages:

    • You can fully utilize Power Query for data transformations, such as changing data types or creating calculated columns.
    • Once the data is imported, performance in Power BI is generally better because queries are run against the imported data instead of the source.

  2. Recommendations:

    • If real-time updates are not essential, consider switching to Import mode for more control and better performance.
    • After switching to Import, you can:
      • Use Power Query for data transformations.
      • Add calculated columns and measures in Desktop.

General Best Practices:

  • Power BI Desktop:

    • Perform all modeling tasks, including data transformations and creating calculated columns or measures.
    • Use it for detailed development and testing.

  • Power BI Service:

    • Use primarily for publishing, managing, and sharing your reports.
    • While model editing capabilities in Power BI Service have improved, they are still limited compared to Power BI Desktop.

If your scenario permits, I recommend using Import mode, as it allows greater flexibility for transformations and better performance for most use cases. However, if you need real-time data, DirectQuery remains a valid option, with the trade-offs outlined above

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