Power BI dataset configuration - unified account

[jaykwilliams]

My organization uses a number of developers that regularly cycle on and off projects, and would like to centralize ownership of data configurations for numerous reports with different data sources via a single 'service' account. 

Does anyone have insight into the potential challenges of this desired state? We currently use a variety of data sources (including AAS, SQL db, SharePoint files) and we know that the service account would likely require access to all of these data sources. 

(As an aside, we currently copy our IT help desk if a data refresh fails, via the Schedule Refresh menu)

[GilbertQ]

Hi there

There was a new feature where you can now add other users to the dataset failure notifications

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/sending-refresh-notifications-to-others/

With regards to the dataset configuration I would go the route of a Service account.

[jaykwilliams]

Yes, we're currently using the new feature to send an email to a service account for dataset failure notifications.

However, there is still a strong desire to configure and manage our data sets via a service account.

Are we likely to experience problems if we utilize a service account in that way?

[GilbertQ · Accepted solution]

Hi there

I have implemented it in this way in the past and I have not found there to be any issues.

[vmakhija]

Hello @GilbertQ 

can you provide some more details on this?

Actually I am looking to do the same for my dataset i.e. configure the scheduled refresh using a service account.

Does this mean I use "Windows" authentication and I have to login to Power BI using my service account so that it uses its credentials for windows login?

If yes, this means I also provide a Power BI license to service account.

Regards

[GilbertQ]

Hi there

Yes you are correct that you would then need to use a Power BI Pro license for the service account to allow it to refresh and complete all the standard Power BI functions.