To automate your Power BI datasets refresh process for an SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services), follow the simple steps below to create a reliable workflow:
Set up and configure the on-premises data gateway.
If your SSAS instance is located on-premises, you need the on-premises data gateway to bridge both Power BI Service and your SSAS server. Install the gateway onto a server that can reach your SSAS instance, and then configure it with your Power BI account. During setup, ensure that the right data source type server analysis services and all the required connection details are selected.
Create and Schedule a Refresh in the Power BI Service
In Power BI Service, after you publish your report that connects to the SSAS dataset, go to Datasets in your workspace. Select the dataset and configure the Scheduled Refresh settings. For this, you need to link your dataset to the data gateway that you already created and specify the credentials needed to access the SSAS instance. Now, configure the frequency and time for the automated refreshes according to your organization's update requirements.
Use Power BI APIs or PowerShell for Advanced Automation
Suppose you need a more complex automation scenario in which a specific event triggers the refresh. In that case, you can use Power BI REST API calls through PowerShell or other automation tools or workflows. The REST API can be called to refresh a dataset programmatically. PowerShell scripts, together with task scheduling tools or orchestration tools, can provide better control over refresh processes as well.
Combining all these techniques would ensure that the refresh process of SSAS datasets becomes completely automated and available with almost no manual effort involved while ensuring data accuracy in your Power BI reports.
