Forum Discussion
reasons for not implementing report level KPIs inside database
what could be the reasons for not implementing KPIs business logic in database and implementing their business logic only in Power BI , one such example is we cannot implement aggregated measures such as Sum(), Avg() inside database because Aggregated measures can be sliced and diced across any dimensions in report however in database aggregation must be applied across certain specific dimension
Why KPIs are often built in Power BI, not in the database:
- Dynamic slicing: Power BI measures adapt to any filter or dimension; SQL needs fixed GROUP BY.
- Interactivity: KPIs respond to slicers, drill-throughs, bookmarks—SQL can’t.
- Performance: Power BI caches data; SQL recalculates every time.
- Time intelligence: DAX handles YTD, rolling averages, fiscal calendars better than SQL.
- Governance: Easier versioning and control in Power BI than altering DB logic.
5 Replies
Why KPIs are often built in Power BI, not in the database:
- Dynamic slicing: Power BI measures adapt to any filter or dimension; SQL needs fixed GROUP BY.
- Interactivity: KPIs respond to slicers, drill-throughs, bookmarks—SQL can’t.
- Performance: Power BI caches data; SQL recalculates every time.
- Time intelligence: DAX handles YTD, rolling averages, fiscal calendars better than SQL.
- Governance: Easier versioning and control in Power BI than altering DB logic.In relational databases like SLQ server, measures do not exist and cannot be reused
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Francesco Bergamaschi
MBA, M.Eng, M.Econ, Professor of BI
Hi powerbiexpert22 ,
I hope the information provided above assists you in resolving the issue. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and will be happy to help with any further assistance you may need.
Thank YouHi powerbiexpert22 ,
Just wanted to check if you got a chance to review the suggestions provided and whether that helped you resolve your query?
Thank YouHi powerbiexpert22 ,
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