Limiting data import when switching from DirectQuery

[ddalton]

Hi, 

I need to switch my dataset from DirectQuery (DQ) mode to Import mode (as per a notice in Power BI Desktop telling me that a step is not supported by DQ mode).

My concern is that the database tables contain years worth of data, and I do not want all of that data imported. While I'm aware that I can transform to essentially filter the results by date or amend the SQL query, I don't want this value to be fixed.

Is it possible to use a relative reference frame so that I can essentially just import the last 6 months etc. of data based on today's date?

Alternatively, I can use a parameter but once I'm happy with dataset I'd like to start creating reports in Service and I would like the date range that the reports are capturing to be dynamic (i.e., that it could be changed by the Service user). Not sure how easy that is to do either? 

[ddalton · Accepted solution]

Date filtering (i.e., limiting the data loaded into the dataset) and the use of slicers (dynamic date filtering for visuals) seem to do the trick for now. 

[ddalton]

So, for now, I'm using a relative filter on the respective date/time columns in the dataset to filter for 6 months worth of data but I'm still hoping for some advice, if anyone has any other suggestions - particularly regarding my last statement i.e., allowing Service users to change the date frame. 

[ddalton]

I've also just discovered slicers which appear to allow for the filtering of graph data by date, which I presume can be used by Service users viewing the reports online.