Forum Discussion

CoulterJames2's avatar
CoulterJames2
Advocate II
2 years ago
Solved

Composite Models in Fabric

I'm trying to find a definitive answer on the subject of support for composite models in Fabric. I've read that composite models are not supported, which I can understand if my dataset combines data from e.g. an existing Power BI dataset and an Excel file (think of a scenario where I want to enrich a central data model with some supplementary data in the form of departmental or regional budgets or forecasts).

 

However, if I have an existing Fabric semantic model (based on a Lakehouse/Warehouse) and I upload my Excel file to OneLake, can I create a new semantic model that combines data from both (as long as the resultant model is published to a Fabric workspace)? 

Need Help
  • blopez11's avatar
    blopez11
    2 years ago

    From Power BI desktop, you can live connect to a semantic model created off of a lake house, and combine with other sources.  However, queries to the semantic model (created off of the lakehouse), will fallback to DirectQuery (vs DirectLake).

3 Replies

  • blopez11's avatar
    blopez11
    Super User
    2 years ago

    From Power BI desktop, you can live connect to a semantic model created off of a lake house, and combine with other sources.  However, queries to the semantic model (created off of the lakehouse), will fallback to DirectQuery (vs DirectLake).

  • SaiTejaTalasila's avatar
    SaiTejaTalasila
    Super User
    2 years ago

    Hi,

     

    Please create it and test it you will know whether it will work for you or not.You can think about alternate approach incase if it have any issues.

  • LondiweThusi's avatar
    LondiweThusi
    Regular Visitor
    7 months ago

    Hi everyone,

    I’m facing an issue with an embedded Power BI composite report and would appreciate any guidance.

    Scenario:

    • The report uses two data sources:

      • A Fabric semantic model (DirectQuery)

      • A Lakehouse table (Import mode) created from an Excel file

    • The report works correctly in the Power BI/Fabric workspace, with data visible from both sources.

    • The report uploads successfully via our custom UI.

    Problem:
    When the report is opened via our embedded web application:

    • Only the Lakehouse (Import) visuals load

    • Visuals that rely on the Fabric semantic model (DirectQuery) fail

    • Error received: “Failed to move the data reader to the next row”

    • This happens even though the report, semantic model, and Lakehouse are in the same workspace

    What we’ve already done:

    • Verified permissions on the workspace and semantic model

    • Confirmed dataset and report IDs are correctly referenced

    • Implemented a manual step to inject all upstream datasets into the embed token (not just the immediate dataset), using a configuration table

    • The issue still persists

    Questions:

    • Are there known limitations when embedding composite models (DirectQuery + Import)?

    • Are there additional permissions or configuration steps required for embedded scenarios?

    • What typically causes DirectQuery semantic model visuals to fail only in embedded apps?

    Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance!