Forum Discussion

Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
6 years ago

Unable to Refresh SalesForce Data Object Via PowerBI Online

I created a visualization in PowerBI Desktop, pulling SalesForce Object data thru the Online Services option. Everything works fine in PowerBI Desktop, I'm able to hit the Refresh button and the SalesForce data is updated. In order to share the data visualization, I created a Workspace in the online PowerBI app and then shared the visualization in that workspace. The visualization is visible via the PowerBI App, but the data is not able to be refreshed. It does not appear to be recognizing the SalesForce Object data source within PowerBI Online. I could always refresh the visualization in the Desktop version, then re-share it to PowerBI Online, but that's an inefficient workaround. Any ideas on how a SalesForce Object can be refreshed from within the online PowerBI app?

Need Help

4 Replies

  • v-lid-msft's avatar
    v-lid-msft
    Icon for Community Support rankCommunity Support
    6 years ago

    Hi Anonymous ,

     

    How about the result after you follow the suggestions mentioned in my original post?Could you please provide more details about it If it doesn't meet your requirement?


    Best regards,

  • ReportGuru's avatar
    ReportGuru
    Icon for Post Patron rankPost Patron
    2 years ago

    Hi, were you able to find a solution? I've used the Salesforce connector but I had some issues refreshing my data too. As a workardound, maybe you can try to test your connection with a 3rd party connector. I've tried windsor.ai, supermetrics (which doesn't have PBI as a destination, so you first have to export to Google Sheets and then export to PBI) and funnel.io. I stayed with windsor because it is much cheaper so just to let you know other options. In case you wonder, to make the connection first search for the Salesforce connector in the data sources list:

     

     

    After that, just grant access to your Salesforce account using your credentials, then on preview and destination page you will see a preview of your Salesforce fields:

     

     

    There just select the fields you need. It is also compatible with custom fields and custom objects, so you'll be able to export them through windsor.  Finally, just select PBI as your data destination and finally just copy and paste the url on PBI --> Get Data --> Web --> Paste the url. 

     

  • metrica's avatar
    metrica
    Icon for Post Prodigy rankPost Prodigy
    2 months ago

    Hi there,

     

    If refresh works in Power BI Desktop but not in Power BI Service, I would first check the published semantic model settings. A Desktop refresh does not automatically mean the Salesforce source is configured for cloud refresh after publishing.

     

    For the native Salesforce Objects connector, I would check:

    • In Power BI Service, open the semantic model settings and re-enter Salesforce credentials under Data source credentials.

    • Confirm scheduled refresh is enabled.

    • Check Refresh history to see the exact cloud refresh error.

    • Confirm the Salesforce user has API Enabled permission.

    • Confirm the Salesforce token has not expired or been revoked.

    • Make sure the connector uses a supported Salesforce production or custom domain URL, not a Lightning URL.

    • If the model combines Salesforce with local files or on-prem sources, check the gateway configuration.

    If the native Salesforce refresh path still fails in Power BI Service, another option is to test a Salesforce-side connector.

    Power BI Connector for Salesforce by Metrica Software is available on Salesforce AgentExchange / AppExchange:
    https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=31526f0e-abd8-4cb5-bd1a-3bd56b5c0577

    With this approach, you create the data source inside Salesforce, choose the Salesforce objects and fields you need, apply filters, and then connect Power BI to that prepared source with an access token.

     

    Why it may help here:

    • It gives you another Salesforce to Power BI refresh path when the native Service refresh is unreliable.

    • It supports standard and custom Salesforce objects.

    • You can select only required fields and apply filters before the data reaches Power BI.

    • If you also use Salesforce Reports, it avoids the frustrating Salesforce Reports 2,000-row limit.

    • There is a 30-day free trial.

    Docs:
    https://metricasoftware.com/docs/salesforce/

    Support:
    https://metricasoftware.com/docs/salesforce/contact-support/

     

    Disclosure: I am with Metrica. If helpful, we can also set up a quick demo and walk through the setup, Salesforce permissions, Power BI connection, and refresh behavior.

     

    Hope this helps if Desktop refresh works but Power BI Service cannot refresh the Salesforce Object data.

     

    Cheers,

    Metrica Team.