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Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

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Sander A.'s profile image

Sander A. on 25 Jul 2018 14:39:12

We really love the new feature of 'Composite Models' in the Power BI July 2018 update! This enables us to join custom lists with DirectQuery sources.

It would also be beneficial if this would also work when connected to SSAS Tabular in DirectQuery.
This would stronlgy improve the enterprise features of Power BI.

Administrator on 16 Aug 2020 02:15:40

This is being worked on! It's a long project but active development has started. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks for all the votes and support!

Comments (222)
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bf09c766 ac0b-4815-be7c-cf86956f6665 on 16 Aug 2020 03:58:47

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

Agree very much wanted feature

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93a912dc df1c-425a-9248-c9268a83633b on 16 Aug 2020 03:58:47

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

I work in a fairly large company (>6000 employees), where we are considering switching to Power BI. However, if we are not able to enrich our data without having to download all of it every time(!), this will not be a valid option for us. Please consider including this feature, as it really will open up for using Power BI in a a professional setting.

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9a0088a1 8872-ea11-a811-000d3a579c39 on 16 Aug 2020 03:58:28

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

'Agreed. The ability to expose the base modelling features in PowerBI when connected to a live SSAS MD or tabular data source, are exactly what my current client need. Specifically:
- grouping / binning
- query multiple data sources
- add calculated members

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944c8c93 11d9-445c-95a3-d300270538b0 on 16 Aug 2020 03:58:09

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

This is a much needed feature...really surprised that Power BI doesn't allow for this. We're in the processes of switching platforms for our dashboards from Excel to Power BI. In Excel we are able to set up multiple report connections, including SQL tables and cubes. However, with Power BI, we're finding this to be a challenge. This would be a great addition!!

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589f1283 3cb7-4d5b-917f-8a6fd7549a19 on 16 Aug 2020 03:58:05

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

Definitely needed

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06578a60 0ab0-4ec7-aa0e-76335ec78edc on 16 Aug 2020 03:57:49

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

this is DEFINITELY needed! Very surprised it is not currently available

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34b8994a af5b-46ab-a7c7-48994f254a79 on 16 Aug 2020 03:57:36

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

I am very surprised this is not yet possible. We desperately need that feature.

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82c08442 429e-481f-aa59-1d61a350967d on 16 Aug 2020 03:57:12

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

Totally agree this is a much-needed feature. I imagine one concern is about putting visuals from different sources on the same report, and the fact that there would be no interaction. I think this is a choice the report designer would have to make.

In Excel, I can add a slicer and a pivot from Data Source A, and another pivot from Data Source B. The slicer will not slice the pivot from B. I know that, and it's my responsibility to design my report to make that clear to my user. I think the same is true for Power BI - more important to have this feature and learn how to show intent through design, rather than not have it and lose critical functionality for the sake of keeping things simple.

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cc2cf046 c0f8-412e-bd8e-80007ca78fdf on 16 Aug 2020 03:56:55

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

Good feature to add and very useful.

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4343dda4 1c85-434a-95a2-e17aa249bbcc on 16 Aug 2020 03:56:39

RE: Composite models when connected to AS models (PBI datasets and Azure Analysis Services)

Combining a live cube connection with data from other cubes or live connections, or other local data sources, has many immediate and obvious applications, and is something I and many others really miss in Power BI today!