Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Get Fabric certified for FREE! Don't miss your chance! Learn more

Reply
powerbiexpert22
Impactful Individual
Impactful Individual

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

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Shahid12523
Community Champion
Community Champion

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.

Shahed Shaikh

View solution in original post

5 REPLIES 5
v-sdhruv
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @powerbiexpert22 ,
Since we didnt hear back, we would be closing this thread.
If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out by creating a new post.

Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum

v-sdhruv
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @powerbiexpert22 ,

Just wanted to check if you got a chance to review the suggestions provided and whether that helped you resolve your query?

Thank You

v-sdhruv
Community Support
Community Support

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 You

FBergamaschi
Super User
Super User

In relational databases like SLQ server, measures do not exist and cannot be reused

 

If this helped, please consider giving kudos and mark as a solution

@me in replies or I'll lose your thread

Want to check your DAX skills? Answer my biweekly DAX challenges on the kubisco Linkedin page

Consider voting this Power BI idea

Francesco Bergamaschi

MBA, M.Eng, M.Econ, Professor of BI

Shahid12523
Community Champion
Community Champion

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.

Shahed Shaikh

Helpful resources

Announcements
Sticker Challenge 2026 Carousel

Join our Community Sticker Challenge 2026

If you love stickers, then you will definitely want to check out our Community Sticker Challenge!

January Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - January 2026

Check out the January 2026 Power BI update to learn about new features.

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.