Power BI Extended Dataset

Overview

IT-Analytics self-service datasets allows end users to extend or combine the model with imported data from an excel spreadsheet or other data sources. This enables report creators to truly personalize the data model and create reports that reflect their personal, departmental or college/unit needs.

IT-Analytics is not responsible for extended data model performance and modeling.

Considerations

After extending the data model, take the time to validate that valid data is displayed and ensure Power BI features were not enabled unintentionally. This will reduce the likelihood of reports displaying errors or incorrect data down the line. Listed below are some of the known issues with extending a Power BI data model.

Potential Power BI Features Enabled Unintentionally 

Auto-Sum Enabled for Numerical Fields

Extending a data model may enable auto-summing of numerical fields such as fiscal year or month number. To remove auto-sum:

  1. Click on the column with the sigma notation “Σ“. (see image below) 

  2. In the column tools tab, select Don’t summarize. (see image below) 

    Visualizations copied from an extended dataset report with display errors(i.e. Fiscal Year auto sum) to a non extended dataset report may still show errors. To resolve first remove then re-insert the column from your list of available fields.

    Sharing Reports in Power BI Service

    If you intend to publish and share reports that use an extended dataset in Power BI Service, anyone viewing the report will require build permission to the underlying self-service dataset or the report will need to be located in a premium workspace. For additional information Using DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Analysis Services

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