Model Relationships with Dataflows

[dm1904]

Hi, I'm wondering if somebody can help me get my head around this.

I host a dataflow for a Group of 5 other report Authors. Each of those authors use the same data from the Dataflow, but create reports which are specific to their needs. The problem that I'm finding is that each report author has to build their own model, even though each of our models should be the same. This is a big governance risk, if the model changes it has to be changed in 5 places by 5 users.

Can this be overcome with Power BI Premium. I.e. can the entity relationships be managed centrally in the Dataflow?

Shared datasets seem to share the model relationships which is good, but shared datasets aren't great in my case. I like the flebility that the Dataflows bring I.e, using the data with other datasources and also being able to pick and choose entities not necessairly the whole dataset.

[Mariusz]

Hi @dm1904 

Unfortunately at the moment, you can not share parts of the dataset as its a whole entity, maybe in the future composite models will include the ability to mix different datasets, but for now, you have the choices that you have listed. Dataflows or Datasets

Best Regards,
Mariusz

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution.

[dm1904]

@Mariusz  Thank you, I undestand that part.

So coming back to the Dataflow Scenario, is it possible to build relationships between entities within the Power BI service - For others to consume? Or is there no other way to centrally manage a model for multiple report authors with Dataflows? And therefore I should stick with Shared Datasets with its limitations

[graemeg]

I also have the same requirement where I want to have a single Dataflow model that can be used by multiple users and for me to define the relationships between the entities so others can use it.  The database I'm connecting to is Common Data Services, the tables get created exactly as expected in the Dataflow and I cannot find a way of then defining the relationships between the tables.  Did you manage to solve the problem?

[v-lili6-msft]

hi @dm1904 

I think Shared Datasets in power bi is better.

Regards,

Lin