Category: Power BI Desktop

Data Visualisation, Fabric Administrator, Fabric Capacity, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service

Microsoft Fabric: Unlocking the Secrets to Mastering Shared Semantic Models – Part 2 – Implementation

This blog series complements a YouTube tutorial I published earlier this month, where I quickly covered the scenario and implementation of shared semantic models in Microsoft Fabric. However, I realised this topic demands a more detailed explanation for those who need a deeper understanding of the processes and considerations involved in one of the most common enterprise-grade BI scenarios.

In organisations with strong security and governance requirements, implementing shared semantic models is vital to ensure seamless and secure access to data. These organisations often split roles across various teams responsible for productionising analytics solutions. Typically, they have strict Row-Level Security (RLS) and Object-Level Security (OLS) implemented in their semantic models. The goal is to enable two key groups within the organisation:

  • Report Writers: They must access the semantic models securely. This means having sufficient permissions to create reports while ensuring access is restricted to only the relevant objects and data.
  • End-Users: They need access to trustworthy and relevant information without dealing with underlying complexities. All the heavy lifting should be managed behind the scenes.

The first blog laid the groundwork by covering all the essential core concepts necessary for successfully implementing this scenario. It also provided a clear explanation of the roles involved in the process.

Blog Series Overview

Initially, I planned to cover everything in one post. However, the scope turned out to be too large, so I split it into two parts to ensure clarity and avoid overwhelming readers. Here’s what the series includes:

By the end of this blog, you will apply the understanding from the previous post to a real-world scenario, managing secure access to shared semantic models in Microsoft Fabric, and implement the solution step-by-step.

If you prefer a video format, check out the tutorial on YouTube:

For those who enjoy diving into the details, let’s get started!

Continue reading “Microsoft Fabric: Unlocking the Secrets to Mastering Shared Semantic Models – Part 2 – Implementation” →
Fabric Administrator, Fabric Capacity, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service

Microsoft Fabric: Unlocking the Secrets to Mastering Shared Semantic Models – Part 1 – Core Concepts

Microsoft Fabric: Unlocking the Secrets to Mastering Shared Semantic Models - Part 1 - Core Concepts

Managing and optimising shared semantic models in Microsoft Fabric, with a focus on securing access, is essential in today’s data-driven world. These models are the backbone of an organisation’s analytics, providing consistent and scalable insights across teams. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting with Microsoft Fabric, understanding how to manage access to shared semantic models is key to delivering impactful insights.

This blog focuses on the core concepts that are vital for building a strong foundation. These concepts are pivotal for a correct and successful implementation of shared semantic models. Without a solid grasp of these basics, it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of advanced configurations or ensure secure and efficient use of semantic models within Microsoft Fabric.

I originally planned to cover this topic in one blog, but it turned out to be too much for a single post. Splitting it into two parts allows me to explain everything clearly without making it overwhelming. Here’s what the series covers:

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the basics of managing and optimising secured access to shared semantic models in Microsoft Fabric.

If you prefer a video format, check out the tutorial on YouTube:

For those who enjoy reading the details, keep scrolling!

Requirements

Before diving into the implementation of shared semantic models in Microsoft Fabric, it’s important to understand the prerequisites. This process has specific licensing and role requirements, which are outlined below:

  • At least Power BI Pro license: This is the minimum required license because Workspace functionality is available only with a Pro or higher license. For large semantic models you will required Power BI Premium Per User (PPU) or a Fabric Capacity.
  • Microsoft Fabric Administrator role: Necessary for configuring semantic model discoverability in the Admin Portal.
  • At least Workspace Member role: Required to set permissions on the semantic models.
  • At least Workspace Contributor role: Needed to assign users and security groups to RLS (Row-Level Security) and/or OLS (Object-Level Security) roles.

Ensure that you have the proper licenses and roles assigned before starting the implementation to avoid any disruptions or limitations in managing shared semantic models.

Continue reading “Microsoft Fabric: Unlocking the Secrets to Mastering Shared Semantic Models – Part 1 – Core Concepts” →
Power BI, Power BI Desktop

Separate Your Power BI Versions: How to Change Icons in Windows 11

Separate Your Power BI Versions; How to Change Icons in Windows 11

In a previous blog, we explored the different versions of Power BI Desktop, including the standard Power BI Desktop and Power BI Desktop RS, tailored for Power BI Report Server. In another blog, we examined the two variations of the standard Power BI Desktop: the Microsoft Store version and the Downloaded version. We also discussed scenarios where having both versions installed side-by-side might be necessary. If you haven’t read those posts yet, I recommend checking them out for helpful insights.

In this blog, we focus on a common challenge when using both versions side-by-side: they share the same icon, making it difficult to quickly tell them apart. This often results in opening the wrong version and disrupting your workflow.

To address this, I’ll guide you through customising the application icons for Power BI Desktop on Windows 11. For those who prefer watching tutorials, here’s a link to the YouTube video:

If you’d rather read through the steps, keep scrolling.

Why Customise Power BI Icons?

As I have already explained here, Power BI Desktop versions serve different purposes. Having both versions installed is recommended for advanced users and organisations with specific use cases. However, their identical icons can cause confusion, particularly when managing multiple projects or workflows.

Continue reading “Separate Your Power BI Versions: How to Change Icons in Windows 11” →
Power BI, Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop Versions Demystified: Part 2, Store vs. Download Version – Key Differences and Use Cases

Power BI Desktop Versions Demystified: Part 2, Store vs. Download Version – Key Differences and Use Cases

In a previous blog post, I explored the differences between Power BI Desktop and Power BI Desktop RS (Report Server). These two versions cater to distinct user needs, cloud-based reporting versus on-premises reporting.

But the story doesn’t end there. Within the regular Power BI Desktop, there are also two flavours:

  1. Power BI Desktop (Store Version)
  2. Power BI Desktop (Download Version)

These flavours, though similar in functionality, offer different features and experiences. In this blog, we’ll examine why these two versions exist, how they differ, and which version might suit your needs and why you might want both.

Why Are There Two Versions?

Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Store Version and the Downloaded Version to provide flexibility for different user scenarios. Each version addresses specific challenges related to updates, deployment, and compatibility.

  • Microsoft Store Version: Simplifies the installation and update process by leveraging the Microsoft Store’s automatic update mechanism.
  • Downloaded Version: Offers manual control over updates and compatibility, allowing users to install and retain specific versions.

Key Differences Between the Two Versions

FeatureMicrosoft Store VersionDownloaded Version
UpdatesAutomatically updated via the Microsoft Store.Manual updates; users must download and install new versions.
InstallationSimplified; just one click from the Microsoft Store.Requires downloading an installer from the Power BI website.
Version ControlAlways the latest version available.Older versions can be retained for compatibility.
IT ManagementIdeal for managed environments (e.g., enterprise devices).Provides flexibility for organisations needing control over updates.
System RequirementsRequires Windows 10 or higher.Compatible with older versions of Windows.
Account DependenciesTied to the Microsoft Store account.Independent of any store account.
Continue reading “Power BI Desktop Versions Demystified: Part 2, Store vs. Download Version – Key Differences and Use Cases” →