Question

How can you combine Power Pivot with Power Query to perform complex data transformations and load the data into Power BI efficiently?

This question addresses the integration of Power Pivot and Power Query to streamline complex data transformations. It focuses on using Power Query for data cleaning and reshaping before loading it into Power Pivot for modeling, creating a seamless workflow for Power BI.

Answer 1

• For really complicated transformations using Power Pivot and Power Query, you can begin with Power Query and do all the various data-prepping operations. Power Query excels at cleaning, reshaping, and joining different data source files. It is where you deduplicate, eliminate missing values, or perform some complicated operations such as unpivoting or aggregating.

• Once the data is ready in Power Query, load it into Power Pivot. This is where you create relations in tables, calculate columns, and write DAX measures for advanced analytics. Your primary concern is setting up a robust data model that will serve as a backbone for the Power BI reports.

• The seamless integration makes for a very smooth workflow. Power Query does the heavy lifting of data transformation. At the same time, Power Pivot prepares the data for reporting and analysis. This integration optimizes performance and, in turn, simplifies Power BI's complex work.