combining excel and power bi dataset in report builder

[powerbiexpert22]

I need to create paginated report using below source systems, the report should be updated live if someone perform any changes in excel. 

• AWS Aurora PostgreSQL
• External ODBC MS SQL
• Excel/CSV (Uploaded on Sharepoint folder)

I thought of using below approach however it seems that Step3 is not possible in Report builder as per below post , is there any approach I can use 

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/Report-Builder-data-model/m-p/4793759#M1426990

Approach:

1. Create semantic model using AWS Aurora PostgreSQL and MSSQL

2. Connect Report Builder with Sharepoint folder to connect with excel and create dataset based on excel

3. Establish Relationhip or Join between Semantic model and excel dataset

[v-nmadadi-msft]

Hi @powerbiexpert22  ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

A practical approach is to use Fabric Warehouse/Lakehouse as a central analytical store where all data sources are consolidated before reporting. First, ingest data from AWS Aurora PostgreSQL and the external MS SQL source into the Warehouse. Then, bring in the Excel files from the SharePoint folder using Dataflow Gen2, which can be scheduled to run whenever the file changes or at frequent intervals. Once all three data sources are available in the Warehouse, create a SQL view that joins them together. Finally, connect to the Fabric source from Power BI report builder and create a paginated report.

I hope this information helps. Please do let us know if you have any further queries.
Thank you

[MohamedFowzan1]

Hi @powerbiexpert22 

In RDL, I usually try to use the lookup function and create the necessary measures as joins are definitely not possible and a limitation.

Summary:

• Multiple Data Sources – You can connect both Excel files (preferably stored in OneDrive/OneLake for live updates) and Power BI shared datasets in the same paginated report.
• Combining Data – Report Builder doesn’t allow direct joins between datasets; instead, use the Lookup function in report expressions to relate data based on matching keys.
• Best Practice – For seamless integration and live refresh, host Excel in the cloud and, for complex joins, combine data in Power BI Desktop or another model before using it in Report Builder.