Forum Discussion
Helper VConnecting to a semantic Model and then importing data
Hello.
I have a semantic model published in a premium workspace. End users are restrcted from modifying this model, but can connect to using a Live Connection, or Direct query when using it as a composite model.
When they use it as a Composite Model, they are limited in functioanlty in DAX. I am aware they cant perform any power query on the model as its connect via Direct Query.
I was under the impression users could change the storage mode to Import - meaning they import the data into the report and can use use DAX functions, such as RELATED.
However, the storage mode is greyed out.
Can anyone shed any lght on this?. I want disable the ability for users to modify the model in my premium workspace, but want to give them access to connect to it from Power BI, and then merge their excel files with this model (composite model) and perform DAX functions in their report.
Thanks
13 Replies
- AlexisOlson
Super User
I don't think this is intended to be possible. However, while DirectQuery does limit DAX functionality, you should still be able to do most things, even if not exactly the same way.
PPStarAny idea on how to use the RELATED function.
I would like to 'blend' data from the semantic model with a local excel file.
When I mean blend, I want to merge/append or get a column from the semantic model to appear as a column in Mt excel table
- AlexisOlson
Some functions you just can't use. If you give me an example of what you're doing with RELATED, I might be able to find a workaround that doesn't use it.
Hi PPStar ,
Some of DirectQuery's limitations remain even in composite mode:Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Regarding the change of storage mode, it can be changed only once per table. Because you are connecting to semantic model by Live Connection, and then change to Composite Model, you can't change the storage mode again because it has been changed from Live Connection to DirectQuery, which includes the change of storage mode once. This has already included a storage mode change, so you can't change the storage mode again. That's why the storage mode is grayed out.
Please refer to the following documentation, which may be helpful:
Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Best Regards,
Dino Tao
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other member find it more quickly.- PPStar
Hi Dino,
Thanks for your response.
When i initially connect to the semantic model using a Live Connection - at that point, the solution is not a composite model - so i am correct in saying a Live Connection cannot be changed to import - becuase it a live Connection.
Im slighlty confused as to when you can change the storage mode to Import... Or does it just not work when connecting to semantic models?
Hi PPStar ,
After testing, it is not possible to change the storage mode in Live Connection mode itself. If you are switching from Live Connection mode to Direct Query mode, it still won't do the conversion either. You can change the storage mode if you connect directly using Direct Query mode.
Best Regards,
Dino Tao
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
ferdsjosephAdvocate I
Hi! I have a similar situation. I created a new report that connects to 3 tables from 3 different semantic models. By default, they connected in DirectQuery mode and is not changeable. It was fine at first until I created measures and visuals and they render so slow, up to 40 seconds at times. Did you ever find a way to connect to tables in multiple semantic models in import mode? I was thinking I'd rather have a long refresh time rather than long render time.
