How to Approach .csv Files and Refreshing a Dataset

[parzival1220]

Hi there,

Please could I ask how best to approach a problem? I have a dataset from our IT service desk solution which comes from a third party, the dataset is a .csv. I have been asked to use this data to create some trends and measures. We cannot connect to this data directly and must import it into Power BI (by modifying the .csv directly). I need to ensure that we can add new data to this dataset and refresh it in Power BI. What I'm unsure about is how best to add new columns into this dataset, which will continue to function when I update the .csv. e.g. if I import the data then add new columns (datediffs etc.), will these autocalculcate when new data is added and the dashboard refereshed?

Many thanks in advance,

J

[parzival1220]

Much obliged, thanks 😀

[ppm1 · Accepted solution]

Power BI does not write back to your csv files but will apply the same transformation steps each time you refresh and store those new columns in your model. As long as your csv keeps the same structure (same column names, etc.), it will continue to work each refresh.

Pat