Real-time updates in PowerBI without pressing the refresh button (Without Powerbi Premium Per User)

[efjw]

Hi! I want to show data in my charts updating real-time without pressing the refresh button. Currently, I have managed to get it working by using a streaming dataset (API). I used a python program to fetch data from PostgreSQL, convert it to JSON and send it to PowerBI Service via the PUSH URL provided by the streaming dataset. 

I tried to create a report on PowerBI desktop by using Get Data > Semantic Model and I selected my streaming dataset. I published the report to PowerBI Service but I do not see the real-time updating happening. However, when I create a dashboard on PowerBI Service, the real-time updating happens.

Do PowerBI reports not support this real-time updating feature? Also, If I had PowerBI Premium Per User and used DirectQuery, would I see an option to enable auto-refresh such that real-time updating of my dashboard without the user needing to press any refresh button happens? (real-time updating mentioned refers to when data is inserted into PostgreSQL, I can almost immediately see it reflected in my chart with little lag time)

[frithjof_v · Accepted solution]

If you are on a Pro workspace, then the recommended way is to create a streaming semantic model and then create a dashboard (not report) using data from that streaming semantic model.

Another option (not as smooth updates as the first option) is to create a Push semantic model, create a report on top of that Push semantic model, and then pin some tiles from the report into a dashboard. 

The way I understand the docs, the only way to get automatic updates in a Pro workspace, is to use the dashboard functionality.

[efjw]

@frithjof_v I am currently using the PowerBI Pro free trial. Will I no longer have the ability to create real-time dashboards via the current method mentioned above when my trial ends? Thanks!

[frithjof_v]

Are you using dashboards or reports?

Are you using Streaming semantic model or Push semantic model or DirectQuery?

According to the docs (links in the previous comment), there are some differences between using dashboard vs. report.

Please read through these docs.

I think at least if you use Streaming semantic model and create dashboards tiles (not report, and not Power BI desktop) then it should be possible to get automatic refresh.

I think also if you create a Push semantic model, then create a report, and then pin a report visual to a dashboard, it should be automatically refreshed.

[efjw]

@frithjof_v I am looking into using a report for my real-time streaming dataset because I want to incorporate features like filtering. However, I do not see the real-time updating when I publish my report made using a streaming dataset. Does PowerBI not allow me to create a real-time chart using a report?

[frithjof_v]

According to the docs, it should not be possible to create a report based on a Streaming semantic model. But you could create a dashboard.

That's why I am thinking you are actually using a Push semantic model, because, as you say, you are able to create a report.

If you are on pro license, I think you can only get automatic refresh in a dashboard (not in a report). See also previous comment.

Ref. also

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-real-time-streaming#streaming-semant...

[efjw]

@frithjof_v Thanks! Could you recommend ways that I can implement a real-time dashboard instead of the above method? I am currently looking into importing my data from PostgreSQL into SQL Server and use an SQL server to get data instead. Would this be feasible? 

[frithjof_v · Accepted solution]

If you are on a Pro workspace, then the recommended way is to create a streaming semantic model and then create a dashboard (not report) using data from that streaming semantic model.

Another option (not as smooth updates as the first option) is to create a Push semantic model, create a report on top of that Push semantic model, and then pin some tiles from the report into a dashboard. 

The way I understand the docs, the only way to get automatic updates in a Pro workspace, is to use the dashboard functionality.

[ceciliacdn]

Hi @efjw and @frithjof_v,

I have some follow-up questions regarding the recommended solution.

It has been announced that:
"Creation of streaming models remains enabled until October 31st, 2027. After that date, the creation of new real-time semantic models will no longer be supported, including push semantic models, streaming semantic models, PubNub streaming semantic models, and streaming data tiles."

As I understand it, the new solution relies on Fabric's Real-time Dashboard connecting to an event stream and event house to visualize real-time data. However, the issue lies in the UI—the functionality is quite limited in terms of customization.

Since real-time stream semantic models can no longer be used, it seems that Power BI dashboards cannot support real-time data without manual refreshes (clicking 'refresh').

Have you perhaps looked into any functionality within Fabric that supports real-time data based on Power BI visuals (reports or dashboard tiles) without requiring Power BI Premium Per User (with the Auto Page Refresh feature)?

[frithjof_v]

"without requiring Power BI Premium Per User (with the Auto Page Refresh feature"

I don't think the Auto Page Refresh feature requires PPU license if you are on a Fabric capacity. On a Fabric capacity, you have access to Power BI Premium features.

If you have access to a Fabric trial capacity, or a purchased Fabric trial capacity, you can test it. 

Keep in mind the auto page refresh can require a bit of compute resources, so it's good to test in a Fabric trial capacity if you have access to one, and verify the consumption in the Capacity Metrics App.

Anyway, great question! I think the reflections and question makes great sense. I'm also curious about this topic and I don't have all the answers to it.

You could consider posting the question as a new post here in the community, or over at the Fabric subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftFabric/s/OmbW2bA2SC

[ceciliacdn]

Thank you for your quick answer! For real-time scenarios, the Auto Page Refresh feature typically needs to be set to "per second" or utilize "change detection." Unfortunately, it seems that the 5-minute auto refresh interval is the limit on the Pro license. Would you agree with that? 🙂

I did this post - I will hope to get some input there in the nearest future: Real-Time Intelligence: How to Achieve Real-Time P... - Microsoft Fabric Community

[frithjof_v]

Is your semantic model in a Fabric workspace or a Pro workspace?

Is your semantic model using DirectQuery, Direct Lake or Import mode?

[ceciliacdn]

Hi @frithjof_v 
It is in a Fabric Workspace using the Real time Intelligence functionalities (Eventstream > EventHouse > KQL database) - Directly from the KQL database, I have then created the PowerBi report and the Semantic model, which automatically connect with Direct Query. 

[frithjof_v]

Thanks for sharing! I thought that setup would be able to use Auto Page Refresh, because:

- it's in a Fabric workspace (allows Premium features to be used)

- it uses DirectQuery

Do you know if the capacity admin has enabled or disabled the auto page refresh feature?

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/desktop-automatic-page-refresh#automatic-p...

[ceciliacdn]

Hi again @frithjof_v ,

Yes, I think we have identified the issue. We only have the Fabric Trial capacity, and I am not sure if I am a Capacity Admin. The issue might be that the 'auto page refresh' setting cannot be changed to 1 second when we are only using a Trial.

Currently, we are using Power BI Pro licenses along with real-time streaming dataset functionalities to create Power BI reports, real-time dashboards, and share content with other Pro users. Our pricing model is based on the cost of Pro licenses per user.

With the retirement of the real-time streaming feature, Fabric Real-Time Intelligence functionalities will replace it. This change requires us to upgrade to a Fabric capacity, which will likely make the solution more expensive.

I have a few questions I’m trying to clarify:

1. When we transition to a full Fabric Capacity, will the settings allow us to change the auto page refresh interval to 1 second?
2. From what I understand, users will no longer need Pro licenses, as Fabric capacity would enable sharing content with free users. However, it seems Fabric capacity itself would be more expensive. Does that sound correct?
3. If that’s the case, is upgrading to Fabric Capacity the only way to continue using real-time features in Power BI?

😊

[frithjof_v]

1. I think yes, but I'm not 100% sure. It's been a while since I tested it.

2. On F64 or larger capacity, the report readers don't need Pro license. They can have Free license. Report developers still need Pro license.

On capacities smaller than F64, all Power BI users (devs and readers) need Pro license.

3. That's an interesting question. I think so.

[efjw · Accepted solution]

@frithjof_v I tried to use my streaming dataset to create a report in powerbi and pin the visuals in my dashboard and the real time updates happen! I think this works too 🙂 thanks so much for your help

[frithjof_v]

What license is the workspace where the report is? (Pro, Fabric, Premium, Trial, etc.?)

Do you have a Fabric capacity?

Are you using Streaming semantic model or Push semantic model or DirectQuery semantic model?

Based on your description, it might sound like you are using Push semantic model?

Ref.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-real-time-streaming

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/desktop-automatic-page-refresh#automatic-p...

[efjw]

I am using a streaming semantic model

[frithjof_v]

Because you are able to create a report, I am guessing that you are using a Push semantic model instead of a Streaming semantic model. The difference can be quite subtle.

Have you enabled 'Historic data analysis'? If so, your streaming semantic model is actually a push semantic model.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-real-time-streaming#use-the-streamin...