Mandatory Learnings for Power BI Beginners : Journey towards Mastery
- nitin rungta
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
1. Connecting to Data Sources
1.1 Create connections with SharePoint, Google Sheets, and Folders
Establishing connections to various cloud and local data sources is crucial for real-time data updates and collaboration.
1.2 Switching from Google Sheets to Local Excel Without Losing the Original Table
Ensure that data transformations and calculations remain intact.
Considerations:
Maintain relationships and DAX calculations.
Preserve calculated columns.
Understand the difference between Reference vs. Duplicate tables and when to use Bridge Tables.
2. Date and Time Handling
2.1 Date Locale and Formatting
Learn how to handle different date formats to prevent errors.
Ensure Power BI recognizes regional date formats correctly.
2.2 Working with Dates (Calendar Table)
Implement a robust Calendar Table for accurate time-based calculations.
Reference: How to create a Calendar Date Table
2.3 Financial Calendar Tables
Create custom fiscal calendars for financial reporting.
2.4 Time Intelligence Using Dates
Master DAX functions like DATEADD, TOTALYTD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, and PARALLELPERIOD.
Understand why you should avoid functions like SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, and PARALLELPERIOD.
3. Transforming Data
3.1 Unpivot Columns
Convert wide tables into a structured format for better analysis.
Try these options:
Other Columns
Only Selected
3.2 Merge Columns in Transform Data
Combine multiple columns efficiently while ensuring data integrity.
3.3 Group By in Power Query
Summarize data effectively by grouping relevant fields.
3.4 Handling Sorting Challenges
Learn best practices for sorting when dealing with text, dates, and custom orders.
4. Formatting and Optimization
4.1 Creating Blank Tables for Key Measures
Store key measures separately to improve report organization.
4.2 Ensuring Proper Data Types
Prevent calculation errors by assigning the correct data types.
4.3 Formula Indentation and Readability
Maintain clean and readable DAX formulas.
4.4 Spelling and Punctuation
Ensure proper spelling and punctuation for a professional dashboard.
5. Error Handling and Debugging
5.1 Finding and Fixing Errors in Power Query
Identify errors during data import and transformation.
Use tools like Try functions and error handling techniques.
6. Advanced Features
6.1 Using Bookmarks, Selection Pane, and Sync Slicers
Enhance interactivity by setting up dynamic bookmarks.
Control visibility using the Selection Pane.
Sync slicers across multiple pages for seamless filtering.
6.2 Showing Latest Refresh Data/Time in a Given Timezone
Display real-time refresh timestamps considering local timezone adjustments.
6.3 Fields Parameter
Dynamically switch between fields in visuals for improved flexibility.
7. DAX Concepts
7.1 UseRelationship for Indirect Columns
Understand how to use USERELATIONSHIP to switch between multiple relationships.
7.2 Dynamic Formatting
A new feature that can be done in the Modelling (Relationships) pane.
8. Data Source Management
8.1 Clearing and Managing Permissions in Data Source Settings
Adjust permissions to prevent refresh failures and ensure seamless updates.
By mastering these foundational concepts, Power BI beginners can build strong, efficient, and error-free reports.
Implementation Tracking Table
This table allows analysts to track the implementation of these concepts across projects every month.
Fill the below table with Number of Projects you have done this month using the concepts in the table.
Whether you are an analyst in DataRoars or external, you can share your scoring at nitin@dataroars.com so I can evaluate your mastery.
# | Category | # | Sub-category | Number of Projects Completed |
1 | Connecting to Data Sources | 1.1 | SharePoint, Google Sheets, Folders | |
1.2 | Switching from Google Sheets to Local Excel | |||
2 | Date and Time Handling | 2.1 | Date Locale and Formatting | |
2.2 | Calendar Table | |||
2.3 | Financial Calendar Tables | |||
2.4 | Time Intelligence Using Dates | |||
3 | Transforming Data | 3.1 | Unpivot Columns (Other Columns, Only Selected) | |
3.2 | Merge Columns | |||
3.3 | Group By | |||
3.4 | Handling Sorting Challenges | |||
4 | Formatting and Optimization | 4.1 | Blank Tables for Key Measures | |
4.2 | Ensuring Proper Data Types | |||
4.3 | Formula Indentation and Readability | |||
4.4 | Spelling and Punctuation | |||
5 | Error Handling and Debugging | 5.1 | Finding and Fixing Errors in Power Query | |
6 | Advanced Features | 6.1 | Bookmarks, Selection Pane, Sync Slicers | |
6.2 | Showing Latest Refresh Data/Time | |||
6.3 | Fields Parameter | |||
7 | DAX Concepts | 7.1 | UseRelationship for Indirect Columns | |
7.2 | Dynamic Formatting | |||
8 | Data Source Management | 8.1 | Clearing and Managing Permissions |
Comentarios