How can I use power BI as a self service analytics tool

[Tejaswini_Kaila]

Is it feasible to utilize Power BI (Copilot) with the objective of enabling stakeholders (non-tech) to become self-reliant in performing direct and small-scale analyses independently, eliminating the need for a data analyst's involvement?

Let's say, approximately 30 to 40 tables hold relevance for these stakeholders, and it could be challenging for them to handle the data modelling aspect in line with their specific requirements, which typically involve working with no more than 3 to 5 tables. Is it possible to simultaneously establish relationships among all these tables (30 to 40) by the data analysts within Power BI, allowing stakeholders to leverage Power BI Copilot on the pre-modelled tables?

[123abc]

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[123abc · Accepted solution]

Power BI is a powerful self-service analytics tool that can enable stakeholders, even those without a technical background, to perform data analysis independently. To achieve this, you can follow these steps:

1. Data Preparation:

   • Data should be clean and structured. If your stakeholders are not comfortable with data cleaning and transformation, you might need data analysts or data engineers to prepare the data initially.

2. Data Modeling:

   • This is where data analysts come into play. Data modeling involves creating relationships, measures, and calculated columns that will make it easy for stakeholders to analyze data without needing to understand the underlying complexities.
   • Data modeling in Power BI involves defining relationships between tables, creating hierarchies, and developing calculated columns and measures to answer common business questions.

3. Creating Pre-Modeled Tables:

   • Your data analysts can create pre-modeled tables that consolidate data from multiple tables into more user-friendly tables.
   • This can simplify things for stakeholders, especially if they typically work with a subset of data from those 30 to 40 tables.

4. Utilizing Power BI Copilot:

   • Power BI Copilot is an AI-powered feature that can help users generate DAX formulas and perform data analysis more easily.
   • Stakeholders can use Copilot to write DAX expressions and analyze data without needing extensive knowledge of the DAX language.

5. Training and Support:

   • Provide training sessions or documentation to help stakeholders understand how to use Power BI and Copilot effectively.
   • Offer ongoing support to address any questions or challenges they encounter.

6. Data Refresh and Publishing:

   • Ensure that data is regularly refreshed so that stakeholders are always working with up-to-date information.
   • Publish the Power BI reports to a location where stakeholders can access them easily.

Regarding establishing relationships among all 30 to 40 tables, it is possible for data analysts to set up these relationships within Power BI. However, it's essential to consider the complexity and performance implications of such a large number of tables and relationships. If stakeholders typically work with a subset of tables, it may be more efficient to focus on creating pre-modeled tables and relationships that are relevant to their specific needs.

In summary, while Power BI Copilot can assist stakeholders in performing data analysis, there is still a need for data analysts to prepare and model the data initially to make it user-friendly. Careful planning and collaboration between data analysts and stakeholders will be key to the success of this self-service analytics initiative.

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