Power BI Service Refresh Fails Unknown Function AutodeskDataExchange Contents

[Om_Bhartiya]

HI Everyone

I have a Power BI report that connects to Autodesk Data Exchange for 3D model data.
It works fine in Power BI Desktop, but when I publish it to Power BI Service, the refresh fails.

The error message says
Unable to determine the data source due to unknown functions. Query contains unknown function name: AutodeskDataExchange.Contents. This can happen if the gateway doesn’t have the extension enabled.

It looks like Power BI Service or the gateway doesn’t recognize the Autodesk connector.

Has anyone been able to use Autodesk Data Exchange with scheduled refresh in Power BI Service?
If yes, can you please share how you set it up or if any extra steps are needed for the gateway?

Thanks

[v-venuppu · Accepted solution]

Hi @Om_Bhartiya ,

Unfortunately, there is no possibility that one can legally share a .mez connector file unless it’s an officially released or open-source connector.

The supported way is to install the official Autodesk connector locally, set up an On-premises Data Gateway (Standard mode) with the .mez in the Custom Connectors folder, enable custom connectors, and map your dataset to the gateway. 

Please go through the below documentation for your reference:

Use custom data connectors with the on-premises data gateway - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Om_Bhartiya ,

You are right - Power BI Service can’t refresh datasets using AutodeskDataExchange.Contents directly, as it’s a custom (non-certified) connector. The only supported method is via an On-premises Data Gateway (Standard mode) with the Autodesk .mez file installed and custom connectors enabled. Make sure the gateway is mapped to your dataset and the “Allow user’s custom connectors” option is turned on. Cloud-only refresh isn’t supported yet - manual or gateway refresh are the current options.

Thank you.

[Om_Bhartiya]

i try that also but its not work if you have any custom .mez connector file could you share with me 

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Om_Bhartiya ,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? Please let us know if you have any further issues, we are happy to help.

Thank you.

[Om_Bhartiya]

No , Unfortunatly my problem is still presist becuase Refresh from PowerBI web is not yet supported.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Om_Bhartiya ,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you @tayloramy for the prompt response.

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided and resolve the issue..?Please let us know if you need any further assistance.We are happy to help.

Thank you.

[tayloramy]

Hi @Om_Bhartiya,

That error means the Service can’t “see” your custom connector. In Desktop, the AutodeskDataExchange.Contents function is available because the connector is installed locally. In the Service, refresh runs through a gateway, and if that gateway doesn’t have the Autodesk connector enabled and loaded, static analysis fails and you get “unknown function name.”

Quick solution

1. Install/configure an On-premises data gateway on a machine that’s always on (Standard or Personal mode can work; I recommend Standard).
2. Enable custom connectors in the gateway app and point it to the folder containing the Autodesk .mez file, then restart the gateway service.
3. In the Power BI Service, go to Manage gateways > your gateway cluster > Allow user's custom data connectors to refresh through this gateway cluster  and Add data source that matches the Autodesk connector. Enter credentials there.
4. Open your dataset settings > Gateway and cloud connections > map it to that gateway/data source.
5. Refresh.

Docs:
• Power BI – enable and use custom connectors with a gateway: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/service-gateway-custom-connectors

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