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Fern_21's avatar
Fern_21
Icon for Helper V rankHelper V
1 year ago
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Refreshing a Power BI report in mixed mode

Hi all! I've a report in mixed mode because it contains 5 tables in Direct Query and one in Import mode. Considering that the Direct Query tables update in real time, how can I manage the refres...
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  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    1 year ago

    Hi Fern_21 ,

    I appreciate your question regarding refreshing a Power BI report in mixed mode with both Import and DirectQuery tables. To keep your Import table current and ensure near real time reporting, I recommend the following approach.

    Consider setting your Import table to Dual Storage Mode. This enables it to operate as an Import table for performance, while also allowing live queries when working with DirectQuery tables, providing the advantages of both methods without needing a full dataset refresh. Additionally, enable Incremental Refresh on your Import table and schedule frequent refreshes, such as every 5 to 10 minutes, to maintain up to date data. If you require only a specific column from a DirectQuery table, you can create a calculated table in DAX as follows:

    CalculatedTable = DISTINCT(DirectQueryTable[ColumnName])

    This calculated table will always display the latest data without manual refreshes.

    After configuration, please validate by updating the source data to ensure the Import table and visuals update as expected.
    Please refer to the following Microsoft documentation:

    Table storage mode in Power BI semantic models

    Configure incremental refresh and real-time data for Power BI semantic models

    Use composite models in Power BI Desktop

rohit1991's avatar
rohit1991
Icon for Super User rankSuper User
1 year ago

Hi Fern_21 

To keep the Import table in sync with your DirectQuery tables,Could you please follow below steps:

 

1. Change the Import table’s storage mode to “Dual” (Model >> Table Properties >> Storage Mode >> Dual).
That allows it to behave like Import for performance but query live when combined with DirectQuery tables giving near real-time results automatically.

 

2. If “Dual” is not possible:
Enable Incremental Refresh for the Import table and schedule it at a short interval (every 5-10 minutes).

 

3. If it’s just one column duplicated in DirectQuery:
Remove the Import table and create it as a calculated table:

ImportTable =
SELECTCOLUMNS(DirectQueryTable, "Revision", DirectQueryTable[Revision])

It will always reflect the latest DirectQuery data without refresh.