Question

How do you leverage Power BI's Composite Model to combine import and DirectQuery data sources within the same report?

I’m working on a Power BI report that needs to combine data from multiple sources. Some data is more efficiently handled using DirectQuery for real-time updates, while other data is better suited for the Import method to improve performance. How can I effectively use Power BI's Composite Model to combine these sources within a single report while ensuring optimal performance and accuracy?

Comments

This is a well-structured and practical question addressing a key Power BI capability. It could be improved by specifying data sources (e.g., SQL Server, APIs) and performance concerns to refine the solution further. Would you like guidance on managing relationships between Import and DirectQuery tables?

Answer 1

Enable Composite Model: This is when you enable the Composite Model feature in Power BI. You can then mix Import and DirectQuery storage modes within the same report. After connecting data sources, set the storage mode for each table in the Model View. Use DirectQuery for live data with real-time updates and Import for data sets that require faster performance or offline access.

Relationship Transmission: Relationship tables having different storage mode are now applicable for definition. Relationships exist Import tables and DirectQuery tables in Power BI, but still, it should be noted that certain operations like complex joins will affect performance while crossing these modes.

Optimize: Use aggregations or calculated tables to reduce the performance impact of query loads caused by DirectQuery sources. Real-time data interaction via DirectQuery should be limited to essential data only for latency prevention. Test refreshes help trade-offs between refresh performance, query response times, and the general experience.

In this way, you can make a model truly well and give it the potential of both storage modes for a seamless user experience, as well as a responsive one.

Comments

Ensure efficient performance by carefully managing relationships, optimizing queries, and balancing Import and DirectQuery modes.

Answer 2

Use Power BI’s Composite Model to combine DirectQuery and Import mode by setting relationships between mixed-mode tables, optimizing queries, and managing performance trade-offs using aggregations and calculated tables.