Reports Datasets

[jotaandres]

When we create reports in Power BI we use TSQL and also M. One of the situations we are facing is how to know which tables/objects are being used on each report.

From time to time there are changes in our backend systems (table names column names, etc) that can potentially affect our SSRS reports and our Power BI reports.

For SSRS is easy to query the rdl file and find out if it is using a specific table. For Power BI I have not been able to find anything that can be applied to all reports so we know the reports that will be affected byt the system change.

Has anybody had this same situation? If so, how did you solve it?

Thanks in advance,,

Jorge Quintero

[Anonymous]

@jotaandres First, I would recommend you start using views, that way you can make your changes and there will be no impact to the Power BI reports.

Second, the only way you are likely to get close to this would be using the APIs or Cmdlets... this blog may help.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/announcing-apis-and-powershell-cmdlets-for-power-bi-adminis...

[jotaandres]

Thanks a lot for the info. We are also looking at using store procedures. Do you have experience on the pros and cons of using views vs store procedures?

The API link is very helpful but the admin side of things belongs to IT and I want to be as independant as possible form them. I'm looking for something more under my control.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@jotaandres I've used both. As long as you have a way to create a layer between the code and the output you put yourself in a much better position to make these types of changes without impacting your front end reporting significantly.