Expert opinion/tips regarding incremental refresh with Semantic models/Dataflow

Hi AutoJL,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum.

After reviewing the issue of tips regarding incremental refresh with Semantic models and dataflow, here are some tips regarding semantic model and dataflow.

Please go through the following tips for better understanding:

Semantic model:

• Incremental refresh in semantic models is highly efficient especially with large datasets. It enables refreshing only the new or updated data, rather than the entire dataset.
• Implementing incremental refresh in a semantic model requires setting up parameters for date and time and defining incremental refresh policies. This could be straight forward if your data includes time-based attributes.
• Semantic models provide enhanced flexibility for handling complex calculations, relationships, and DAX measures. If your report heavily relies on these features, semantic models may be the more suitable choice.
• Verify that your data source supports query folding to achieve optimal performance. If query folding is not supported by your current setup, the performance improvements may be limited.

Dataflow:

• Dataflows are highly effective for managing the ETL Extract, Transform, Load process. They enable the preparation and cleaning of data before it is loaded into your semantic model, which can enhance both performance and manageability.
• Dataflows are reusable across various reports and can be shared with different users, for consistency and collaboration.
• Incremental refresh in dataflows can significantly reduce the time and resources needed for data processing. However, it may not support the more complex transformations available in Power BI Desktop.
• Since you have a Premium Per User license, you can utilize features like enhanced dataflows, which provide improved performance and additional capabilities compared to standard dataflow.
• Use dataflows for initial data extraction and transformation to reduce the load on your semantic model and improve performance. Then, use the semantic model for complex calculations and visualizations.

if you Favor complexity and performance in analysis, go for Semantic models with incremental refresh parameters. If you want a reusable and scalable ETL layer, Dataflows might be the better choice.

Please go through the below documentation links for better understanding:

Understand and optimize dataflows refresh - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Incremental refresh for semantic models in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Incremental refresh in Dataflow Gen2 - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

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