Forum Discussion

F_Reh's avatar
F_Reh
Post Patron
3 years ago

Data Refresh for a SQL Server-based and Excel-based Dashboard ?

Hello,   I have a Dashboard (with multiple reports) which uses datasets from a MS SQL Server Database (on a particular Server over the network) and also some MS Excel Spreadsheets. What is the best...
Need Help
Tips and Tricks
MAwwad's avatar
MAwwad
Solution Sage
3 years ago

For the SQL Server-based reports, you can use the DirectQuery or Live Connection feature in Power BI to connect to your SQL Server database and automatically refresh the data. To set up a schedule for data refresh, you can use the Power BI service and set up a schedule in the dataset settings. You will need to have a Power BI Premium or Power BI Report Server in place to take advantage of the DirectQuery or Live Connection feature.

For the Excel-based reports, you can use Power BI to import the data from the Excel spreadsheets. You can also set up a schedule for data refresh in the Power BI service by using the Get Data > SharePoint Folder > Power BI Service option in the Power BI Desktop. If your Excel spreadsheets are stored in SharePoint, you can use the Power BI Gateway to refresh the data automatically on a schedule.

You can also consider using Power BI Report Server to deploy your reports and schedule data refresh for both SQL Server-based and Excel-based reports.