Connecting multiple Power BI Dashboard Dataset to create a Report Summary

[Anonymous]

Hello, Is it possible to connect Multiple PBI Dataset into 1 Power BI Report? I created an App to show all my Dashboard in just one link and i want to create a 1 PBI Dashboard summary for all 4 PBI Dashboard. I've tried to Get Data > PBI Dataset but it only allow me to use 1 dataset, is there any other way to do this? Thanks!

[aj1973]

Hi @Anonymous 

You need to go to Options and check this box

[Anonymous]

Hello, thanks let me search more about the use of DQ. Im currently new to this and i only know power bi dataset hehe

[aj1973]

@Anonymous 

Sorry to add this but I had to,

To answer your initial question, yes you can connect a report to multiple datasets from multiple workspaces as long as you have the Edit permission to them 4 datasets. Those datasets don't need to be in a DQ mode to be able to use them. Recently added , you can now use composite models connection https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-composite-models where you can have a report built on top of multiple sources through multiple ways.

Hope you get to read this.

[Anonymous]

Hello, i've tried to import my dataset on my own workspaces but it doesnt allow me to import 1 more, even if im the author do i need to grant permission to use the PBI dataset and enable to use it?

[aj1973]

Don't know the way you are trying to do it, But these 4 datasets cannot reside in "My Worksapce", They have to be in shared Workspaces, You have the Edit permission to these 4 datasets, you have the permission to connect to multiple Datasets and Dataflows from your desktop (Ask the Power bi Admin if not) and finally check the box I showed you in my previous message. Of course at least Power BI Pro license is needed.

Let me know.

[Anonymous]

I see! I think my organization doesnt have PowerBI Pro but ill still try this when the PBI Admin is online tomorrow thanks!

[v-jianboli-msft]

Hi @Anonymous ,

The default connection mode for PowerBI datasets is LC.

In this connection mode, connecting to multiple data sources is not supported.

If you want to connect to multiple PowerBI datasets, you need to convert them to DQ mode.

Refer to: Using DirectQuery for datasets and Analysis Services (preview) - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,

Jianbo Li

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Anonymous]

Hello, is this dataflow?

[v-jianboli-msft]

Hi @Anonymous ,

No, DQ is DirectQuery. It is one of the connection mode of power bi dataset.

For more details, please refer to:

Dataset modes in the Power BI service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,

Jianbo Li

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Anonymous]

Ohh i see, so i need to convert the dataset to DQ so that i can them those 4 dataset in another PBI Dashboard, last question: If the dataset are updated, those files that are converted to DQ will be updated too?

[v-jianboli-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous ,

For DirectQuery, when using Get Data in Power BI Desktop to connect to a data source, the behavior of that connection is as follows:

• During the initial Get Data experience, the source is selected. For relational sources, a set of tables are selected and each still define a query that logically returns a set of data. For multidimensional sources, like SAP BW, only the source is selected.
• However, upon load, no data is imported into the Power BI store. Instead, upon building a visual within Power BI Desktop, queries are sent to the underlying data source to retrieve the necessary data. The time taken to refresh the visual depends on the performance of the underlying data source.
• Any changes to the underlying data aren't immediately reflected in any existing visuals. It's still necessary to refresh. The necessary queries are resent for each visual, and the visual is updated as necessary.
• Upon publishing the report to the Power BI service, it will again result in a dataset in the Power BI service, the same as for import. However, no data is included with that dataset.
• When opening an existing report in the Power BI service, or authoring a new one, the underlying data source is again queried to retrieve the necessary data. Depending upon the location of the original data source, it might be necessary to configure an on-premises data gateway, as is needed for import mode if the data is refreshed.
• Visuals, or entire report pages, can be pinned as Dashboard tiles. To ensure that opening a dashboard is fast, the tiles are automatically refreshed on a schedule, for example, every hour. The frequency of this refresh can be controlled, to reflect how frequently the data is changing, and how important it's to see the latest data. When opening a dashboard, the tiles reflect the data at the time of the last refresh, and not necessarily the latest changes made to the underlying source. You can refresh an open dashboard to ensure it's current.

For more details, please refer to:

Using DirectQuery in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,

Jianbo Li

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Anonymous]

My gad! this is well explained! Thanks a lot sir wishing one day i could be a pro like you 🙂