Dataflows Direct Query

[tmckenzie3]

Dataflows would be really useful if you could connect to them via DirectQuery. This would mean that we could query enormous dataflows that are not practical to load to the Data model and can make aggregate dataflows that we load to the Data model. Unsure if this is possible with the architecture of a Dataflow, but it could be quite handy if it is possible.

[tmckenzie3]

The other aspect I am finding the more I tinker with Dataflows is increasing the importance of being able to DQ these for a few reasons. 1) Getting the timing schedules for refreshes has just got a lot more complex - To get a Dataset refreshed you need to have the Dataflow refresh complete to get the latest data, then only after that is finished start refreshing the Dataset to get the latest data. The sequence of timings is going to be complex, plus also time debilitating. My first dataflows are taking around 1 hour to process, and then my datasets after that are taking a bit of time. Waiting a few hours to get the latest data is feeling like a step backwards compared to the refresh times I was getting with my existing models. 2) We can use Dataflows as a way to generate a 'Single Model of Truth' with the data preparation. However, since anyone can modify a DF in their Datasets this also breaks the certainty that the data validity is maintained. By allowing a DQ connection you can be assured that the Single Model of Truth can be maintained.

[dcresp1]

This would certainly be very useful for us as well. Dataflows are a great way to put data in the cloud. Being able to DQ them would be very useful.

[martin_mcmilla2]

Can't imagine a better improvement! I'm currently having to import large amounts of data, making the report sluggish. I can't direct query because we don't have the data warehouse.

[wachocki_bw]

and make this working in mix model too, please.

[tmckenzie3]

Another component is to be able to use the analyse in excel feature but against a dataflow instead of a pbi model. Sometimes I just need to pull a single table of a model into a excel file.

[cameron5]

Yes, a really important feature.

[jpoudou]

I agree, this feature is a must have. else we are just doubling our data process and data movement.

[lina_fu]

Strongly agree to have this feature!

[jpoudou]

ok, feature announced at the summit event... but limited to the premium side of Power BI. so better to go with Azure Data explorer on top of the data lake and we'll have near the same feature for far away lower cost!

[alessandro4]

allow for mass data extractions, directly from powerbi interface or with any other method that any analyst could use to receive the record in a given query (email the link to a onedrive share where the dataset will be posted, or fetch xml or....). The current limit of 30k is an important limitation