PowerBI

PowerBI is a newer Microsoft product that has both a desktop and online function. Think of this suite of tools as a cheap, self-service BI platform. PowerBI is available through Office 365, which the City uses.

Think of PowerBI packaging the Power tools plus making it easier to create and share dashboards. Microsoft will probably invest in this as its primary Business Intelligence platform over time. They frequently roll out new features.

The free version limits your data size, refresh rate, and data connection options. Power BI Pro is $9.99 per user per month, which gives you greater capacity and the ability to publish dashboards. View pricing and comparison. Right now, City staff can download the desktop for free.

Under the free version you can make private dashboards (unlike the free version of Tableau). If you find you need the Pro features, you can buy them for those users that need it or if you want to connect to backend systems.

Using Power BI Desktop with Power BI

The role of the desktop versus online version can be confusing. On our team we use them as follows:

• Power Desktop to

  • Connect and prep data

  • Create visuals and reports

  • Publish to PowerBI

• PowerBI to

  • Create dashboards (composed of visuals from reports)

  • Share and publish dashboards

  • Review dashboards as part of our program

We don't like to author reports in the online version as it's easier on the desktop and the versions get out of sequence. We also like to use OneDrive to share the desktop files so different team members can edit.

Getting the tools

Under our O365 license, staff with City emails can download Power BI desktop and sign up for Power BI here. Note that it takes a day or two for your online signup to propagate. If you sign up and someone shares a dashboard with you, don't panic if you don't see it right away. If you only plan on viewing dashboards, Power BI may be enough.

Online Training

Microsoft's Guided Learning Center provides detailed tips on using Power BI and documentation.

Lynda.com offers Learn Microsoft Power BI Desktop: The Basics (2h 55m). Learn how to sign up for a Lynda.com account through the SF Public Library.