Forum Discussion
Helper IIPower BI dataflow very slow
Hi georgec96,
Another option to consider, if you need all that data, is to use direct query for dataflows.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/dataflows/dataflows-directquery
I've had to use this recently for a large dataset and it works well. It then gives you the option to build aggregation tables in your model to improve performance but also keep the detailed data when necessary.
Caveat, this will only work with premium or premium per user as you need to be able to turn on the 'Enhanced compute engine settings' for the Dataflow.
Hope this helps.
Helper IITheoC, Thanks alot for your input, that was extremely helpful, I have one more question though.
Would a dataset (either as an import or direct query) be quicker than a dataflow when it comes to loading and refreshing times?
Community ChampionHi georgec96 I think the theoretical view is that using data flows will be quicker because the transformations occur in the data load process. However, if there is limited transformation and the data itself is quite clean, I would say this theory may be challenged. Take a look here at this link from Reza. He goes into it a bit but the comments on the blog are brilliant too: https://radacad.com/how-to-use-dataflow-to-make-the-refresh-of-power-bi-solution-faster
I hope this has been of some.use!
Theo 🙂