Forum Discussion
Helper IReal-time updates in PowerBI without pressing the refresh button (Without Powerbi Premium Per User)
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)
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.
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
18 Replies
frithjof_vCommunity Champion
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
efjwI 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.
- 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?