Project planning

[CahabaData]

The data source is local, SQL Server embedded in a business application.  The data structure is not well understood within the user organization and there is no SQL Server admin on staff.  The ultimate goal is Dashboard with daily updates.

The project plan is to intially manually 'Get Date' with PBI Desktop from the SQL Server - in order to explore the data structure, model, and present intial data reports to the person most knowledgable of the business data (but is not technical).

After understanding and getting the data model reports correct - then manually upload to PBI Service for rough draft of Dashboard.

After the Dashboards are deemed suitable - then final step- set up On Premise Gate way to automate refresh.

Is this the correct sequence for a project of this nature?

[alanhodgson · Accepted solution]

Hey @CahabaData,

All of that sounds correct. Once you have the reports built in PBI Desktop then you can just pin those reports to a dashboard in Service. Below is the flow:

SQL Server --> PBI Desktop (create reports) --> publish to PBI Service --> Pin reports to make a dashboard

Assuming you set the gateway up correctly, you will be able to schedule refreshes.

Note: All users will have to have a Pro license if that data source goes through that gateway.

Hope this helps,

Alan

[Stuartb113]

Hi Alan, we're also planning an Enterprise wide PowerBI rollout. 

It wasn't clear in my mind whether each user consuming shared reports,  dashboards or published Apps will require a Pro Licence. 

Now i've read your post I think that answers my question!

 "All users will have to have a Pro license if that data source goes through that gateway."

[CahabaData]

thanks for the sanity check on that.