Programmatically monitoring Power BI dataset refresh failures involves the use of Power BI REST APIs and PowerShell or Azure Automation tools. Here’s how effective tracking and alerting can be put in place:
1. Make use of Power BI REST API:
Power BI REST API enables users to track their dataset refresh activities programmatically. For instance, the Get Refresh History API endpoint can be used to retrieve information on successful or failed refreshes. It also gives other useful information, such as status, time taken for a refresh, and errors, which can be useful in resolving such issues.
2. Configure Periodic Check with PowerShell or Azure Functions:
There are also PowerShell scripts or Azure Functions if one needs to make periodic API calls to update the dataset refresh status. For example, write a script that checks the refresh history, looks for any entries tagged failure, and records them in a monitoring system or a database for high-level review. Other options, like using Azure Logic Apps to run simple processes like notifying failure logs, can also be explored.
3. Implement Alerting and Notification:
Add mechanisms for alerting and monitoring through tools like Azure Monitor or Microsoft Power Automate, where alerts are sent in the case of a refresh being unsuccessful. For instance, consider establishing Power Automate workflows that would send either an email or a Teams message once the API observes a refresh that turns out to be negative. That way, people will be informed, and the issues will be fixed very quickly.
Thus, incorporating the above measures will help you create a proper infrastructure to track and enhance the dataset refresh frequency in the Power BI reporting system while minimizing downtime.
