Using API to Update SemanticModel - but 'Refreshed' Timestamp doesn't update

[ddelapasse]

Hi,

I'm working on a webapp that will host an embedded PBI.  The webapp's "schema" can be changed by the users and if that happens I am using the Fabric api to push an update to the Semantic Model.  This works FINE but it's really annoying that I cannot confirm the update by looking in PowerBI here.  Is there any other way that I could see the actual timestamp of the model?  I don't know what this Refreshed means in this context - we only use DirectQueries.  Appreciate any help you guys can offer!

[v-linyulu-msft]

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

1.Firstly, I understand that you are currently using a semantic model with DirectQuery storage mode and updating the model via an API——

POST https://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/groups/{groupId}/datasets/{datasetId}/refreshes

However, typically, the refresh API does not support refreshing DirectQuery storage mode, which would result in an error as shown below.

Only semantic models using Import storage mode can trigger a refresh successfully.

Therefore, I am curious about which API you are using. Could you please specify which API you are referring to?

2.Secondly, based on your description, does "The webapp's 'schema'" refer to the layout of visual objects and filters in the report? In our definition, a schema does exist, as shown in the official documentation screenshot below:

However, a normal schema refresh is not supported on the service unless you are using Push storage mode refresh, which contradicts your mention of DirectQuery storage mode. Here is a screenshot from the official documentation:

3.Therefore, my initial assumption is that your refresh might only involve refreshing the visual objects in the report. Here is a screenshot from the official documentation:

This also explains why the refresh timestamp is not updating, as the normal refresh history only records the times involving data refresh. Here is a relevant documentation screenshot:

For further details, please refer to:
Data refresh in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
 

Of course, this is just my assumption. If I have misunderstood your requirements, please clarify which API you are using for the update and what exactly you mean by "The webapp's 'schema'". I look forward to your response.

Best Regards,

Leroy Lu

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