Sync from files from Sharepoint / OneDrive

[escaparrac]

Hi guys.

In our company, we have some major files that are located on a Sharepoint site. Everyone from several areas updates their weekly reports there, and we pick up the data from there to our PowerBi report.

The problem we are facing is that the files are linked from a local folder path, even if they are cloud-based, and if we want to update the datasets from PowerBi from another PC, I get an error saying that the path is not right.

I tried to use %USERPROFILE% when adding the file, but it says that I don't have the permissions (but then it updated once).

I want to be able to open the Desktop app and update the files from several PCs since several people are working there from different PCs due to remote work.

Summarizing:

I want files located in:
%USERPROFILE%\Sharepoint Folder\Operations\
---> dataset1.xlsx
---> dataset2.xlsx

To be able to be synced from any PC, not having to import all the tables and files again.

Is it possible? I guess yes, but I don't find the option to: add a file from OneDrive / Sharepoint.

[tom480]

@escaparrac - checking in with you.  Did this work for you?  If so please mark as the solution to help others!  Thanks in advance!  Respectfully, Tom

[escaparrac]

Hi! It really worked!

Sorry for the late reply, we had to change every single data connection and re-do some of the metrics.

Now we have a windows pc acting as a server, scheduling r scripts to update teh raw files, and then powerbi access to that files in the company cloud to update the visualization.

Thanks Tom!

I wish Microsoft made by default that if you chose a Sharepoint file, it just always syncs to it.

PS: @tom480 do you know by any chance how to make the PowerBi report update ifself in case we change some of the files that feed him?

[tom480]

Great if you need help, ping me.  Glad to walk through something in Teams screenshare.  Tom

[tom480 · Accepted solution]

HI there!  We just solved this last week at our organization too.  The issue is the path of the file, you have to use the path to the file in SharePoint and use a web connection.  step 1)  go to the file in OneDrive or SharePoint (from your browser) and click on the three dots and copy link.  step 2)  create a new connect through the web connector.  step 3) authenicate through your organizational account (not windows). step 4) setup your scheduled refreshes and you will enter your credentials for the web connection. Use Oauth2.    This way, anytime anyone updates the files, the scheduled refresh will capture all updates from all users.  Because this is a cloud-based, no gateway is required.  Let me know if that helps!  These are the exact steps we used last week.  Tom

[escaparrac]

I will try it tomorrow with our Analyst and let you know!

This makes sense, thank you 😄