Shared Semantic Models not syncing

[TDargan]

Hi - We're trying to create a semantic model that can be endorsed and shared accross the organization. The model works fine at the time as long as the point in time that it was created has 100% of everything the user needs, but any updates (new columns, updated measures, new tables, etc) to the orginal semantic model aren't being captured by users that are referencing the orirginal model. 

Here's our workflow:

1- Original model is created and posted to web service. Set up refresh parameters and refresh model. 

2- Other users create a new report and choose Get Data -> 'PowerBI Semantic Models' as the data source. Under settings they leave the checkbox for "Automatically connect to tables created later".

3- Original model is updated, posted to PBI service, refreshed.... 

4- Users that are using the shared model looking to consume the changes try refreshing their report, closing report, refreshing again, etc... Nothing works. Whatever the model is when they originally sourced the semantic model is the model their stuck with. 

If we try bringing in the same semantic model again, it creates a brand new, so now we have two. Essentially it means we have to re-make the report. 

Is this intended behavior? The checkbox "Automatically connect to tables created later" would suggest otherwise.

Thanks!

[Tutu_in_YYC · Accepted solution]

Thanks, based on the screenshot, it doesnt look like you are making a live connection to an existing semantic model. Live connection is the common mode for reports sharing the same semantic model, where no further semantic models would be created.

Looks like what your users are actually doing is creating a local model based on an existing semantic model, this technique is called Chaining which results in either a DirectQuery or even possibly a Composite model if you user end up adding more data sources to the model. That means there will be 2 semantic models, ie the original and the newly created.

In regards to "automatically connects to table added later", im testing this. Will report back.

[Tutu_in_YYC]

Hi,
can you help me locate the checkbox you mentioned? I dont see it when im connecting to a semantic model. A screenshot would be appreciated.

[TDargan]

Hi,
Here you go. You get to it by clicking on Settings after choosing your semantic model. 

[Tutu_in_YYC · Accepted solution]

Thanks, based on the screenshot, it doesnt look like you are making a live connection to an existing semantic model. Live connection is the common mode for reports sharing the same semantic model, where no further semantic models would be created.

Looks like what your users are actually doing is creating a local model based on an existing semantic model, this technique is called Chaining which results in either a DirectQuery or even possibly a Composite model if you user end up adding more data sources to the model. That means there will be 2 semantic models, ie the original and the newly created.

In regards to "automatically connects to table added later", im testing this. Will report back.

[Tutu_in_YYC · Accepted solution]

@TDargan 
The  "automatically connects to table added later" only valid in Power BI desktop, ie when you hit refresh in power bi desktop, it will scan for new tables in the existing semantic model in power bi service and bring it into you local model.

It doesnt apply to chained semantic models that have been published to power bi service.

If the idea is to have reports only connected to 1 semantic model that you manage and utilize any new changes/update to the model, you might have to adjust your approach, ie do not let users create a local model after connecting to the semantic model in the service (chaining).

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-composite-models#chaining 

Hope this helps