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Brianii's avatar
Brianii
Frequent Visitor
2 years ago

Is there a better solution to pulling data from CSV files located on SharePoint ?

I have data extractions in .CSV format saved to a SharePoint folder. Dataflows pull the data from the SharePoint folder and perform transformations. PowerBi then connects to dataflows, adds some DAX ...
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collinq's avatar
collinq
Super User
2 years ago

HI Brianii ,

 

In my mind, he goal is always to connect directly to the source.  But, as stated, you can't do that.  So, getting the CSV files is probably best method.

 

However, my suggestions would be:
Why can't you do the DAX in the dataflow?

Why can't you link directly to the CSV files and not have to use SharePoint?

 

My thoughts being those two items would make the whole thing slightly faster.  Not necessarily a huge time savings but the fewer items between start and finish (like using SharePoint and having to have DAX done in the file itself) make it just that much faster and easier.

 

All that said, you might have the best solution for your current constraits.

Brianii's avatar
Brianii
Frequent Visitor
2 years ago

1. I do all the heavy lifting in Power M, and use Dax for small things. Is it possible to use the actual Dax in Dataflows? 

2.  Could you elaborate on what do you mean by directly linking to CSVs? In the current set up all extractions are automiatically saved in a SharePoint folder and then Dataflows feed from the folder.

  • collinq's avatar
    collinq
    Super User
    2 years ago

    Hey Brianii ,

     

    My apologies,  I misspoke.  I was thinking of complex M transformations and not DAX.  

     

    As for the csv files I was wondering about you having a place other than sharepoint (like onedrive or s network share) to remove one more step.