1. Use Separate Datasets for Each Client (Data Models)
Instead of putting all 11 clients into one large data model, you can create separate Power BI datasets for each client, which are configured the same way, as you mentioned. Each dataset can have its own refresh schedule, which helps reduce the complexity of each individual model.
Once these datasets are created, you can bring them together in a single report by using the following methods:
2. Using Power BI Service: Datasets and Shared Datasets
The idea is to use the Power BI Service to create separate datasets for each client, and then use a shared dataset model in Power BI Desktop to combine them. Here's how:
Step 1: Create Separate Datasets for Each Client
Create and configure individual data models in Power BI Desktop for each client.
Publish each dataset to the Power BI Service.
Step 2: Use Power BI Service to Combine the Data
In the Power BI Service, you can create a new report that references multiple datasets (one for each client).
In Power BI Desktop, you can connect to these Power BI datasets as sources (using Power BI Service data sources), then combine them in a unified report.
Step 3: Combine Data Using DirectQuery or Import Mode
In Power BI Desktop, when you connect to these datasets, you can use DirectQuery (which allows for real-time querying) or Import Mode (which will pull data into the model).
You can append data from each individual dataset (client data) into a unified report model by using the Append Queries feature in the Query Editor.
3. Appending Data from Multiple Models into One Using Dataflows (for Large-Scale Integration)
If you want a more scalable approach, especially for complex datasets, Power BI Dataflows might be the solution. With Dataflows, you can consolidate data from multiple sources into one central data model. You can:
Create individual Dataflows for each client's data.
In each Dataflow, apply the same transformations and data modeling processes.
Use Power BI Service Dataflows to create a central dataflow that combines all 11 client data sources. This allows you to merge, clean, and prepare your data at a more granular level.
The final unified dataflow can then be used to create a single dataset that can be used for reporting.
4. Combining Models in Power BI Desktop Using "Get Data"
You can combine the data from different models (datasets) by:
Getting Data from multiple sources (individual Power BI datasets).
Then, in Power Query, use the Append Queries function to stack the data from the different datasets.
This effectively merges the client-specific data into a single table that you can use in your unified report model.
