FA-0746Data & Analytics

Power BI from CSV to Interactive Reports

Power Query, relational modelling and DAX foundations

Introduction

Why this course

Turn supplied CSV data into a practical Power BI report. Work through the business-intelligence workflow from data connection and transformation to model relationships, DAX calculations and interactive report design.

This beginner-to-intermediate course uses guided examples across three days. Reports are developed in Power BI Desktop; a service dashboard demonstration requires suitable service access and is distinct from the report itself.

Learning outcomes

Explain the data-to-report BI workflow.
Prepare CSV/folder data with Power Query transformations.
Build fact/dimension relationships and reason about filter propagation.
Create selected calculated columns and measures using DAX.
Design interactive report pages with visuals, slicers, bookmarks and drillthrough.
Distinguish reports from service dashboards and explain how selected report visuals can be pinned where access permits.

Prerequisites

Basic spreadsheet/tabular-data and computer skills.
Access to a compatible Power BI Desktop installation and the supplied sample files.
Suitable Power BI service access/licensing and permissions if participating in the dashboard demonstration.

Training outline

3 modules

01Day 1 — Data Connections and Transformation6 topics

Power BI Desktop, Power Query Editor and the learning environment.
Explore connectors, with practical exercises using CSV and folder data.
Basic transformations; string/numeric tools; index and conditional columns.
Group/aggregate data, pivot/unpivot and modify queries.
Merge and append queries and inspect row/data-type results.
Introduce hierarchies and data categories; preparation best practices.

02Day 2 — Data Models and DAX Foundations7 topics

Normalisation and denormalisation in reporting models.
Fact versus dimension tables; compare schemas and maintain consistent grain.
Create relationships, cardinality and active/inactive paths.
Connect multiple fact tables through suitable dimensions rather than arbitrary joins.
Filtering/cross-filtering and hiding fields for report authors.
DAX syntax, calculated columns versus measures, row/filter context and common functions.
Basic date/time formulas using suitable date data.

03Day 3 — DAX and Interactive Reporting8 topics

Logical/conditional expressions and text, maths and statistics functions.
Use RELATED to retrieve values through an existing compatible relationship; distinguish it from a SQL join.
CALCULATE, ALL, FILTER and selected iterators.
Introduce time intelligence and validate date/model requirements.
Charts, matrix visuals, slicers/date controls, cards and KPIs.
Maps where enabled, treemaps, line/area charts and gauges; formatting and filter choices.
Report interactions, drillthrough and bookmarks.
Review the completed report; demonstrate pinning selected report visuals to a service dashboard when the lab permissions allow.

A programme built around your team.

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