Power BI: An

Introduction
Power BI is Microsoft's powerful business intelligence tool designed
to transform raw data into meaningful insights that drive business
decisions. This comprehensive platform enables users to connect
to various data sources, prepare data, and create compelling
visualizations that transform Business data's to a story.

The Power BI ecosystem consists of three key components: Power

BI Desktop for creating reports and visualizations, Power BI Service
(the cloud-based platform) for sharing and collaboration, and
Power BI Mobile Apps for accessing insights on the go. Together,
these components form a robust solution that empowers
organizations to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

by Harpal Sinh Jhala

Why Use Power BI?
Microsoft Data Dynamic Real-Time
Integration Connectivity Visualizations Analytics
Seamlessly works with Connect to 100+ data Create interactive Monitor business
Excel, Azure, and sources from cloud reports with drag-and- metrics as they
other Microsoft services to on- drop simplicity update in real-time
products you already premises databases
use
Power BI's intuitive interface makes it accessible for users with varying technical backgrounds, while its deep integration with
the Microsoft ecosystem amplifies its utility across organizations. The platform's ability to connect to numerous data sources
allows businesses to centralize their reporting regardless of where their data lives.
Introduction to Data Source Addition
Excel Files Databases
Import spreadsheets with multiple worksheets directly Connect to SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL and other
into Power BI database systems

Cloud Services APIs & Web

Integrate with Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud Pull data from web services, REST APIs, and HTML pages
Platforms, and other online platforms

Adding data sources is the crucial first step in your Power BI journey. This process involves importing or connecting to your
organization's data repositories, enabling you to transform raw information into valuable insights. Power BI supports a vast
array of data formats, accommodating virtually any business scenario.

Whether your data resides in simple Excel files, complex database systems, or cloud platforms, Power BI offers streamlined
connection options that make data importation straightforward for both beginners and experienced analysts alike.
Connecting to Data Sources
Access the Get Data Feature
Click on "Get Data" in the Home ribbon to see available data sources

Select Your Data Source

Choose from categories like File, Database, Azure, or Online Cloud Services

Enter Credentials
Provide necessary authentication information to access the data

Preview and Load

Preview data before loading it into your Power BI model

The "Get Data" feature in Power BI serves as your gateway to accessing information from virtually any source. When connecting to Google Cloud Platform
(GCP), you can integrate with Google BigQuery by selecting it from the data sources, signing in with your Google account, and choosing the required
dataset and tables. For Cloud SQL (MySQL/PostgreSQL), you'll need to provide the instance IP, database name, and credentials. If accessing data via
Google Cloud Storage, you can connect using file URLs or APIs. These integrations enable seamless data retrieval for analysis in Power BI.

Power BI maintains security throughout this process, allowing you to set up and save encrypted credentials for recurring connections. This ensures both data
protection and efficiency for frequent report updates.
Connecting to ODBC Drivers with
Google Cloud Platform
Power BI offers seamless integration with Google Cloud Platform through ODBC drivers, extending your data connectivity options
beyond standard connectors.

Install ODBC Drivers Configure DSN Connect in Power BI Query & Load
Set up a Data Source Name Write SQL queries or select
Download and install the with your GCP connection Use "Get Data" > "ODBC" tables from your GCP
appropriate Google Cloud parameters and credentials. and select your configured database for analysis.
ODBC drivers for your data DSN.
source.

ODBC connections provide flexibility when standard connectors aren't available, allowing access to virtually any database in Google
Cloud Platform, including specialized services.
Data Preparation and Transformation

Handle Missing
Shape Data Values
Apply Data Structure
Replace nulls with
Launch Power Cleaning Functions
Split or merge columns, appropriate values or
Query Editor
pivot/unpivot data, and remove incomplete records
Access the robust Remove duplicates, fix create calculated columns
transformation tool through errors, and standardize
the "Transform Data" button formats across your dataset

The Power Query Editor is where raw data transforms into analysis-ready information. This robust tool provides a visual
interface for cleaning and reshaping your data without affecting the original source. Each transformation step is recorded,
creating a repeatable process that automatically applies when data is refreshed.

Common transformations include changing data types, removing unnecessary columns, handling duplicate entries, and
creating custom calculations. These operations build the foundation for accurate and meaningful visualizations in your final
reports.
Data Preparation and Transformation

Extract Transform Load

Pull raw data from your connected Clean, filter, and reshape data Import processed data into Power
sources into Power BI's data using Power Query Editor's BI for analysis and visualization.
model. intuitive tools.

After connecting to your data sources, the next crucial step is data preparation. Power BI's Power Query Editor offers
robust tools to clean messy data, remove duplicates, and handle missing values.

You can create calculated columns, combine multiple tables, and customize data types—all without affecting source
data. These transformations ensure your analyses are built on accurate, properly structured information.
ETL (Extract Transform & Load)

Internal ETL External ETL Data Merging Seamless

Updates
Transform data directly Leverage specialized ETL Combine tables from
within Power BI using tools for complex different sources using Maintain transformation
Power Query Editor for transformations before relationships and steps for automatic
simple structural importing to Power BI. merging functions. application during data
changes. refreshes.

Power BI's flexibility allows you to perform ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) operations either internally or externally.
The built-in ETL capabilities handle most data preparation needs, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for many
business scenarios.
 Combining Multiple Data Sources
Merge Queries Append Queries
Join tables with related data, similar to SQL joins Stack tables with identical structures

• Requires matching columns between tables • Combines rows from multiple tables
• Supports inner, left, right, and full outer joins • Requires similar column structures

Import vs. DirectQuery Create Relationships

Choose between importing data or connecting live Define connections between tables in your data

• model
Import: Better performance, offline access
• • Creates a relational data model
DirectQuery: Real-time data, handles large
datasets • Enables cross-filtering between visualizations

Powerful insights often emerge when combining data from multiple sources. Power BI excels at this task, offering several methods to
integrate diverse datasets into a cohesive model. The platform's relationship management system allows you to define how tables
connect, creating a foundation for cross-filtering and complex analysis.

When deciding between Import and DirectQuery modes, consider your data volume and refresh requirements. Import mode offers
better performance for most scenarios, while DirectQuery provides real-time access to rapidly changing data sources without importing
the actual data.
Relationships between imported Tables
Power BI shines when combining data from multiple sources through table relationships. These connections enable comprehensive analysis across your entire data ecosystem

Relationship Type Description Common Use Cases

One-to-Many Most common relationship where unique records Customer to Orders, Department to Employees
(Primary Key) from table 1 relates to multiple
records in table 2

One-to-One Each record (Primary Key) in table 1 relates to Employee to Employee Details, Product to
exactly corresponding one record (Primary Key) in Specifications
table 2
Many-to-Many Records in both tables can relate to multiple Students to Classes, Products to Suppliers
records in the other

Many-to-One Most common relationship where multiple record Orders to Customers, Employees to Department
from table 1 relates to unique records in table 2

Power BI automatically detects potential relationships between tables when you import data, but you can create and modify these connections manually in the Model view.

Cross-Filter Direction Cardinality Settings Active vs. Inactive

Controls how filters flow between tables, Define relationship types based on data Only one active path can exist between
affecting visualization interactivity. structure requirements. tables, but inactive relationships can be
activated using Userrelationship DAXmeasure.
Introduction to DAX Measures
Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is a formula language designed specifically for Power BI and other Microsoft BI tools. It
shares similarities with Excel formulas but provides enhanced capabilities for working with relational data.

Understanding DAX is a crucial skill for anyone looking to master Power BI. While the learning curve can be steep initially,
the analytical power it provides is unmatched for business intelligence applications.

What is DAX? Summarizing Data Filtering Data Advanced

Calculations
DAX enables users to create Apply specific conditions to
custom calculations that DAX formulas can filter your data with Perform complex analyses
operate on your data model, summarize data across precision, allowing for like time intelligence and
allowing for sophisticated multiple rows and tables, targeted analysis of relevant statistical computations that
analysis beyond simple creating consistent information. extend beyond the
aggregations. calculations that respond capabilities of basic
dynamically to user aggregations.
interactions.
Creating Basic Measures
Create New Measure
Right-click on a table in the Fields pane and select "New
Measure" or use the New Measure button in the Modeling tab
Enter DAX Formula
Type your formula in the formula bar, starting with a measure
name followed by an equals sign
Apply Functions
Use functions like SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT to perform
calculations on your data
Check and Confirm
Verify your syntax is correct and click the checkmark to create
the measure

Creating basic measures in Power BI follows a straightforward process that begins with identifying the calculation you need. For example, to
calculate total sales, you might create a measure using Total Sales = SUM(Sales[Amount]), which sums all values in the Amount column of
the Sales table.
Power BI distinguishes between autogenerated measures (created by dragging fields into visuals) and manual measures (created using DAX).
Manual measures offer greater control and consistency, ensuring calculations remain the same across all visuals and can be reused throughout
your report.
DAX Functions
Data analysis with Power BI's DAX capabilities. Below are some examples of using different functions

CALCULATE
Modifies filter context to create dynamic calculations.

Example: Sales = CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]))

Time Intelligence
Compare periods with SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATEADD, and PARALLELPERIOD.

Example: Last Year Sales = CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]),

SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR(Calendar[Date]))

Table Functions
Create virtual tables with FILTER, ALL, and RELATEDTABLE.

Example: Top Products = FILTER(Products, Products[Sales] > 10000)

Context Transition
Convert row context to filter context with SUMX and AVERAGEX.

Example: Margin % = SUMX(Sales, Sales[Price] - Sales[Cost]) / SUM(Sales[Price])

These advanced functions unlock sophisticated analytics capabilities when combined thoughtfully in
your reports.
DAX Functions Examples
DAX functions form the foundation of Power BI calculations. They transform raw data into actionable insights through simple yet powerful operations.

Function Type Common Functions Example Use Case

Aggregation SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT Total Sales = SUM(Sales[Amount]) Calculate totals or summaries
across tables

Text CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, LEN Full Name = Combine or manipulate text values
CONCATENATE(FirstName, " ",
LastName)

Date & Time TODAY, NOW, YEAR, MONTH, DAY Current Year Sales = Time-based analysis and filtering
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]),
YEAR(Sales[Date])=YEAR(TODAY())
)
Logical IF, AND, OR, NOT Status = IF(Sales[Amount]>1000, Conditional logic and categorization
"High Value", "Standard")

Mathematical ROUND, ABS, SQRT, LOG Rounded Sales = Mathematical transformations

ROUND(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 0)

These basic functions can be combined to create more complex measures. Start simple and build your DAX skills incrementally for best results.
Implcit Measures vs Explicit Measures
Implicit Measures Explicit Measures

Also known as "Auto Aggregations" or "Auto-Measures" . Custom DAX formulas created by users.

• Created automatically when dragging fields into visuals • Manually defined with specific DAX expressions
• Temporary calculations that exist only in specific visuals • Stored in the data model for reuse
• Cannot be reused across multiple visuals • Consistent calculations across all report visuals
• Apply default aggregations (SUM, COUNT, etc.) • Support complex logic and filter context manipulation

Key Applications

Implicit measures, also known as auto measures, are automatically created by Power BI when a numeric field is dragged into a visual.
They apply default aggregations like sum, average, or count without requiring DAX. However, they are limited to basic calculations,
cannot be reused, and only work within the specific visual. Explicit measures, on the other hand, are manually created using DAX and
offer full customization, allowing advanced calculations like YTD, rolling averages, and conditional logic. They are reusable across
multiple visuals and reports, making them ideal for complex business scenarios and performance optimization. While implicit measures
are useful for quick analysis, explicit measures are preferred for professional reporting due to their flexibility and efficiency.
Row level and Filter level Context
DAX evaluation relies on two fundamental context types that determine how calculations work.

Feature Row-Level Context Filter-Level Context

Scope Operates on each individual row Works on filtered data subsets

Primary Use Calculated Columns, Iterating Functions Measures, Aggregations

Common Functions SUMX, FILTER, RANKX SUM, CALCULATE, TOTALYTD

Filter Behavior Ignores visual filters, processes full Responds to slicers, filters, and visual
dataset contexts

Example Sales[Quantity] * Sales[Unit Price] SUM(Sales[Amount]) filtered by region

Understanding context is crucial for building accurate calculations. Row context processes data sequentially while filter context
dynamically adjusts to user interactions.
DAX Measures vs. Calculated Columns
Understanding when to use each is key for efficient Power BI development, as both have distinct use cases and performance implications.

Why Choose DAX Measures Limitations of Calculated Columns

• Evaluate dynamically based on visual's filter context, recalculating • Calculate once during data refresh, consuming storage even when unused
when users interact with filters • Cannot respond to visual interactions or filter context
• Memory efficient - calculated only when needed, reducing model size • Limited time intelligence function support
• Ensure consistent calculations across all report visuals • Fixed values regardless of report context
• Support time intelligence functions like SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR • Less flexible for context-dependent business logic
• Automatically adapt to the user's current view context • Increase model size with each addition
• Ideal for aggregations and calculations needing to respond to user • Require complete recalculation during each data refresh
interactions
• Best for row-level calculations needed for further computation
• Reusable across multiple reports, promoting standardization
Most appropriate for static row-level transformations used for sorting,
• Support advanced DAX patterns with filter modifications
grouping, or as inputs to other calculations.
Preferred for most business calculations, especially metrics requiring real-
time response to user selections.

Choose measures for calculations needing to respond to user interactions and calculated columns for fixed data transformations. Balance is key: minimize
calculated columns to reduce model size while using measures for dynamic business metrics.
Using Quick Measures
Quick Measures in Power-BI
Power BI Quick Measures allows users to create common aggregations and calculations without writing
complex DAX formulas manually. They help speed up analysis by providing ready-to-use measures based on
standard business scenarios. Quick Measures also provides contextual recommendations, helping users
create accurate and efficient measures without deep DAX expertise. This enhances productivity, reduces
errors, and makes data analysis more accessible.

Quick Measures provide an intuitive way to create DAX formulas, making them ideal for users still developing their
DAX skills. Instead of manually writing code, users can simply select from pre-defined options, and Power BI Quick
Measure will generate optimized measures instantly. Common calculations like running totals, period-over-period
changes, or filtered averages etc.

Beyond their practical utility, this enhances learning for generated DAX formulas, helping users understand logic
and improve their skills. This assisted approach bridges the gap between basic and advanced Power BI usage,
making data analysis more accessible and efficient.
DAX Measure
Applications
Transform your Power BI dashboards with strategically implemented DAX measures

KPI Cards
Dynamic metrics like YTD sales or growth percentages instantly recalculate with
filter changes.

Slicers & Filters

Measures respond intelligently to user selections, maintaining calculation integrity
across contexts.

Visuals & Charts

Create responsive visualizations with context-aware calculations that adapt to user
interactions.

Well-designed DAX measures provide the computational foundation for interactive

dashboards. Their dynamic nature enables real-time analytics without compromising
performance.
Visualization in Power BI
Insights
Uncovering meaningful patterns and correlations

Storytelling
Presenting data narratives through visual context

Visualization Types
Choosing appropriate charts, tables, and maps

Data Foundation
Building on clean, well-structured datasets

Data visualization transforms abstract numbers into comprehensible insights. Power BI's robust visualization capabilities enable you to represent data in ways
that reveal trends, outliers, and relationships that might otherwise remain hidden in rows and columns. Effective visualizations simplify complex concepts,
making data more accessible to all stakeholders.

The Power BI visualization dashboard offers a diverse array of visual types organized into categories. Charts (bar, line, pie) excel at showing comparisons and
trends. Tables provide detailed information in familiar formats. Maps visualize geographical data distributions. Specialized visuals like gauges and cards
highlight key metrics that require immediate attention.
Bar and Line Charts
Bar Charts
Compare values across categories

Line Charts
Show trends over time periods

Combo Charts
Combine bars and lines for multi-metric analysis

Bar and line charts represent the workhorses of data visualization, providing clear representations of categorical and
trend data respectively. Bar charts excel at comparing values across distinct categories—such as sales by product
line or performance by region. Their visual weight makes differences immediately apparent, with length serving as
an intuitive indicator of magnitude.
Proportional & Distribution Visuals
Pie Chart Donut Chart Treemap
Shows percentage distribution Offers the same proportional Displays hierarchical data
across categories. Perfect for view as pie charts with a using nested rectangles. Size
visualizing market share by hollow center for additional and color represent different
product or regional metrics or text labels. measurement values within
contribution to total sales. categories.

Funnel Chart Histogram

Visualizes sequential processes or stages. Ideal for Shows frequency distribution across continuous
sales pipelines, conversion rates, or recruiting numerical ranges. Perfect for analyzing customer
workflows. age groups or product price bands.
Interactive Visualizations: Slicers and
Filters
Dropdown Slicers Hierarchical Slicers Advanced Filters
Space-efficient filters that Tree-structured filters that allow Powerful filtering capabilities
expand to show options when users to drill down through including basic, advanced,
clicked, ideal for long lists of related categories, such as relative date, and top N filtering
categories or when screen space Region > Country > City. options for precise data
is limited. selection.
Interactivity transforms static reports into dynamic exploration tools, with slicers and filters serving as the primary controls.
These elements enable users to focus on specific segments of data, revealing insights that might otherwise remain hidden
in the full dataset. Power BI offers various slicer types, from traditional lists to more specialized options like date ranges and
numeric sliders.

The cross-filtering capability further enhances interactivity—clicking an element in one visual automatically filters all other
visuals on the page. This connected experience allows for intuitive data exploration without requiring advanced technical
skills from end users.
Dashboard Interactivity with Visuals

Cross-Filtering Tooltips Drill-Through

Creates connections between visuals, Enhances visuals with contextual information Allows users to navigate from summary data
allowing users to click on elements in one that appears when hovering over data points, to detailed information with a simple right-
chart to automatically filter related data in providing additional context without cluttering click, creating a hierarchical exploration
other visuals. This helps users discover the main visualization. experience.
relationships and patterns without creating
separate filtered views.

Q&A Feature Bookmarks

Empowers users to ask natural language Saves specific states of a report, including
questions about their data and receive instant filter selections and visual properties. Enables
visual answers, making data exploration guided storytelling through sequences that
accessible to non-technical users. walk users through a narrative, highlighting
key insights.
Interactivity transforms static reports into dynamic exploration tools. Combined with buttons and selection panes, these interactive features
create engaging presentations that focus attention on the most important insights.
Custom Visuals in Power BI

AppSource Marketplace Import and Install

Browse hundreds of free and premium visuals Add custom visuals directly to your report with a
developed by Microsoft and third parties few clicks

Share and Distribute Configure

Package reports with custom visuals for others to Adapt the visual to your data and customize
use appearance options

Power BI's native visualizations cover most common scenarios, but custom visuals extend these capabilities to address specialized needs.
Microsoft AppSource hosts hundreds of these specialized visuals, from enhanced versions of standard charts to completely unique visualizations
like Sankey diagrams, infographic designers, and advanced forecasting tools.

Popular custom visuals include the Timeline Slicer, which offers an intuitive way to filter date ranges, and Radar Charts, which excel at
comparing multiple variables across different categories. These visuals can significantly enhance your reporting capabilities, enabling more
nuanced data storytelling and providing visualization options tailored to specific industries or analysis requirements.
Designing Visual Dashboards
Plan Your Layout Apply Consistent Styling
Arrange visuals in a logical flow that guides the Use corporate themes, maintain color consistency,
viewer's attention from high-level insights to and select appropriate fonts for readability
supporting details

Focus on Key Metrics Enable Export Options

Highlight the most important KPIs and ensure they're Configure appropriate export settings for PowerPoint
immediately visible to viewers presentations, PDFs, and other formats

Effective dashboard design balances aesthetic appeal with functional clarity. The placement of visuals should follow a
logical narrative flow, typically starting with key metrics at the top and providing supporting details below. Visual hierarchy
guides users' attention to the most important information first, using size, position, and color to indicate relative
importance.
Color schemes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Consistent colors should represent the same metrics
throughout a report, while contrasting colors can highlight significant data points. Power BI themes allow for consistent
application of colors, fonts, and visual styles across all report pages, creating a cohesive experience and reinforcing brand
identity when reports are shared externally.
Best Practices in Power BI
Do's Don'ts Performance Optimization
• Start with clear business questions • Overcrowd dashboards with too
• Design for your audience's needs many visuals Use incremental refresh for large
• Use pie charts for more than 5-7 datasets, avoid unnecessary visuals,
• Maintain consistent formatting
categories and implement query folding where
• Use appropriate visualizations possible to improve report
• Mix unrelated metrics on one page
• Implement row-level security responsiveness.
• Ignore performance optimization Monitor performance with Performance
• Create accessible reports
• Analyzer to identify bottlenecks in
Use unnecessarily complex DAX
• Document your measures and loading time, then optimize the most
when simpler options exist
calculations resource-intensive elements.
• Neglect data model relationships
• Choose visuals based on aesthetics
over clarity

Following best practices ensures your Power BI reports remain maintainable, performant, and valuable to stakeholders. Proper
planning before development saves significant time—define clear requirements, understand your audience, and establish
consistent naming conventions for fields and measures.
Summary and Next Steps

1 Master Data Sources

Practice connecting to various data sources and transforming data effectively with Power Query

Develop DAX Skills

Create increasingly complex measures to analyze your data from different perspectives

Refine Visualization Techniques

Experiment with different visual types and interactive elements to tell compelling data stories

Explore Sharing & Collaboration

Learn to publish reports to Power BI Service and create apps for your organization

Throughout this presentation, we've explored the fundamental components of Power BI: connecting to diverse data sources, transforming raw data into analysis-
ready information, creating powerful calculations with DAX, and designing impactful visualizations. These skills form the foundation of effective business
intelligence reporting.
Your journey with Power BI doesn't end here. Microsoft offers extensive documentation, guided learning paths, and certification programs to help you further
develop your skills. The vibrant Power BI community—through forums, blogs, and local user groups—provides additional resources and support as you tackle more
complex scenarios. Start creating your own dashboards today and discover the insights waiting in your organization's data.