Question

What approach would you use to integrate an AnyLogic database with Power BI?
I am working on a project that requires integrating an AnyLogic database with Power BI to visualize simulation outputs effectively. However, I am unsure of the best approach to establish this integration, whether through direct database connections, APIs, or intermediary tools. Could you provide guidance on how to connect and transform AnyLogic data for use in Power BI?

Answer 1

Connecting Power BI to an AnyLogic database requires a two-way understanding of how AnyLogic stores its data—internally or externally, using databases that can include MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. If the data is stored externally, you would directly connect Power BI using the right connector for that database.

For example, if AnyLogic uses MySQL as its destination, one would connect Power BI through that MySQL connector, enter the necessary credentials, and import the required tables or views.

If AnyLogic uses an internal database, once the simulation has been completed, send data as a CSV or Excel file. Power BI imports the files to visualize them.

Alternatively, if AnyLogic exposes data through REST API, you could use Power BI's Web connector to pull the data dynamically.

Once this link is established, Power Query will allow you to tidy, transform, and model data from simulation to convert it to visualization best practices. It will also ensure that the outputs align with the reporting intended for Power BI.