Multiple reports using same SSAS model causing redundant datasets?

[Anonymous]

Wanted to get some help in understanding datasets and if my implementation is "best practice" or inefficient.  I fear it may be inefficient.

We have a SQL Server Analysis Services model based on a data warehouse and a few additional datasets.  Its one main SSAS model that we primarily use.  Whenever we create a new Power BI report, we connect to this SSAS model via live connection.  When we post the report to the Service, it creates a new dataset.  Thus we have several datasets which technically refer back to the one SSAS model.

I feel like this is potentially redundant data in the datasets.  Our main SSAS model is kind of an 'all encompassing model' which has many data tables in it and not every report uses every data table, maybe 3-5 tables out of 20 depending on the purpose of each report. Some reports overlap a bit.

How does this sound to you guys? Is there a more efficient way?  Not sure if it's possible but one thought of mine is to create 1 dataset made up of our main SSAS model and then each PBI report we create connects to this dataset/model in the Power BI Service; but not sure if that's ideal or possible.

Would love feedback and thank you!

[v-kelly-msft]

Hi @Anonymous ，

Yes,you are using live connection ,under live connection ,when dataset is published to service,there is only table header included,without any filed,which is unlike import,so there is no efficient way...

Here is a reference.

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/Power-BI-Live-connection-vs-Import-comparison-and-limitations/ba-p/84377

Best Regards,
Kelly

Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution!

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

This blog post actually answers my question in an understandable manner and offers what seems to be a 'best practice' solution: https://exceleratorbi.com.au/new-power-bi-reports-golden-dataset/

[Greg_Deckler]

When you say "Live" do you mean Direct Query? If so, then there shouldn't be duplicate data.

[Anonymous]

Well in Power BI it lists it as a "live connection" and such as live connection is referenced here in this documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-analysis-services-tabular-data

This is just a random image from stackoverflow that I found showing you the "connect live" option when you try to connect to a SSAS database.