Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Compete to become Power BI Data Viz World Champion! First round ends August 18th. Get started.

Reply
AbiNyk
Frequent Visitor

Update of sematic model with multiple layers

Hi,

 

I have 2 servers/databses combined in one report like visualized below.

 

As shown i have semantic models in the middle due to domain issues. In the semantic layer 2 one of the sources is a composite model (import and direct query) whereas ther other is only import. 

 

AbiNyk_0-1732179943061.png

 

Question:

 

  1. Is layer 2 and 3 synchronized or do I have to update it? If yes what is best practice with Power Automate?
  2. Can i still implement change detection from changes in layer 1? 

 

2 REPLIES 2
Poojara_D12
Super User
Super User

Hi @AbiNyk 

  1. Synchronization of Layers:

    • DirectQuery Sources: Automatically synchronize with Layer 1.
    • Import Sources: Require manual or automated refresh in Layer 2 for updates to reflect in Layer 3.
    • Layer 3: Depends on the refreshed state of Layer 2 for updates.
  2. Automating Refresh with Power Automate:

    • Use Power Automate to:
      • Refresh Layer 2 datasets sequentially (composite models first, then imports).
      • Monitor refresh completion and trigger updates in Layer 3.
      • Send notifications or trigger downstream workflows upon completion.
  3. Change Detection in Layer 1:

    • DirectQuery Sources: Supports real-time change detection with Power BI’s feature.
    • Import Sources: Require scheduled refresh or automated workflows to propagate changes.
  4. Best Practices:

    • Automate dataset refreshes for Import sources to keep Layer 2 and 3 synchronized.
    • Use change detection for DirectQuery sources to track real-time updates.
    • Ensure workflows respect dependencies (Layer 2 before Layer 3).

By automating refreshes and using change detection where applicable, you can ensure data consistency and up-to-date reports across all layers.

 

Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution, this will help others!

If my response(s) assisted you in any way, don't forget to drop me a "Kudos" 🙂

Kind Regards,
Poojara
Data Analyst | MSBI Developer | Power BI Consultant
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@biconcepts?si=04iw9SYI2HN80HKS

Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution, this will help others!
If my response(s) assisted you in any way, don't forget to drop me a "Kudos"

Kind Regards,
Poojara - Proud to be a Super User
Data Analyst | MSBI Developer | Power BI Consultant
Consider Subscribing my YouTube for Beginners/Advance Concepts: https://youtube.com/@biconcepts?si=04iw9SYI2HN80HKS

Thank you for the answer and effort(!). However I am not sure whether layer 2 and 3 synchronize what best practice is...

Helpful resources

Announcements
August Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - August 2025

Check out the August 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

August 2025 community update carousel

Fabric Community Update - August 2025

Find out what's new and trending in the Fabric community.