Feedback Requested on Paginated Report Architecture for Excel-Safe Exports

[LanaGeiss]

Hello everyone,

I’d appreciate feedback on:

- whether dataset filters or DAX parameter filtering is preferred long-term,
- best practices for ALL parameters,
- scalability considerations for larger datasets,
- and whether this architecture is reasonable for operational finance exports.

I recently created a prototype Power BI reporting solution using synthetic data to test a cleaner Excel export workflow for finance/operational reporting, and I’d appreciate feedback on whether this follows good enterprise practices.

Current architecture:

ODBC Database
↓
Power BI Semantic Model
↓
Interactive Dashboard
↓
Dynamic Export Button
↓
Paginated Report
↓
Structured Excel Export

The main goal was to avoid common export problems from standard Power BI exports, such as:

• numbers exported as text,
• merged cells,
• inconsistent formatting,
• Exports do not fully match slicer selections.

The solution currently uses:

• star schema semantic model,
• paginated reports,
• parameterized filtering,
• dataset filters,
• Excel-safe tabular layouts.

A few screenshots are attached:

1. semantic model,
2. dashboard,
3. paginated report,
4. final Excel export.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or improvements!!

Semantic Model

Dashboard:

Paginated report:

Excel Export:

[LanaGeiss]

@v-abhinavmu Thank you very much!

[v-abhinavmu]

Hi @LanaGeiss,

We really appreciate your efforts and for letting us know the update on the issue.

Please continue using fabric community forum for your further assistance.

[v-abhinavmu]

Hi @LanaGeiss,

Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

This is a very solid enterprise-style architecture for operational and finance reporting.

Microsoft documentation specifically recommends paginated reports for:

• print-ready and Excel-ready outputs,
• preserving formatting,
• row-level/tabular exports,
• and controlled pagination.

Your use of:

• a star schema semantic model,
• parameterized filtering,
• and paginated exports

is aligned with recommended Power BI practices for scalable reporting solutions.

Using dataset filters and parameters in Paginated Reports is a common approach for managing report customization and export scenarios.

For more details, please refer to the official documentation:
What Are Paginated Reports in Power Bi? - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Paginated Reports in the Power BI Service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

I hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Thank you.