Advanced Power BI – DAX & Data Modeling

During this training you will learn how to perform advanced data transformations not available in the Query Editor. We will discuss how to leverage the embedded PowerBI programming language (M) to achieve this. The M basics will be covered as well as how to write custom functions empowering participants to work with poorly structured data and to prepare it for a star structure.

In addition, participants will learn how to enable dashboard users to write back to a source through Power Apps. We will cover Power Apps fundamentals, including how to create a Power App and add it as a visual on a Power BI dashboard.

Finally, as performance problems might occur when models grow larger and more complex, we will address the Vertpaq Analyzer and DAX studio, two powerful tools to diagnose and fix performance issues.

The Advanced Power BI training is perfect for

Power BI Key users with over a year of Power BI experience who want to bring their Data Modeling and DAX knowledge to the next level.

What will you learn during the training?

• Performing complex operations on data in the Power Query Editor
• Writing functions (yourself) in the M language (custom functions)​
• Build, maintain and manage a Power BI model using the Tabular Editor
• Use the Tabular Editor to create calculation groups
• Applying Vertipaq Analyzer to analyze the structure of a data model
• Applying DAX Studio to analyze and optimize DAX code

Power BI users that build models in more complex scenario’s tend to run into problems in these areas:

• Having to perform transformations in the Query Editor that cannot be done by simply using the User Interface. Therefore, we will discuss how this can be done with the programming language available in Power BI (M).
• Having to create and maintain a large amount of tables, columns and measures. This can result in a lot of frustrating time spent on creation and maintenance on the one hand and is error prone on the other. In order to be able to become more efficient and effective when it comes to Power BI model management, the Tabular Editor will be covered. This free tool is also widely used by Microsoft Power BI program managers in their instruction videos on Power BI.
• Performance issues. When a user interacts with a dashboard, spinners that start running on visuals for more than one or two seconds result into poor user experience. In order to avoid that from happening, performance optimization will be covered. DAX studio is the go-to tool when it comes to optimization of DAX code. In DAX Studio, the way the Power BI Engine (Vertipaq) processes DAX code can be analyzed and therefore optimized. And recently, the Vertipaq analyzer has been integrated into DAX Studio. Therefore, DAX studio now also allows for analyzing the storage structures of a Power BI model.

Yes, I want to do more with Power BI!

After registering for this training, you will receive a confirmation email with practical information. A week before the training we will share literature if there's a need to prepare. See you soon!​

What else should I know?

• The training is given per half day.
• The training requires DAX Studio and Tabular Editor. These can be downloaded for free but for installation (temporary) admin rights are required.
• This BI training is brought to you by Xebia Data. Xebia Data is part of Xebia, just like Xebia Academy. Xebia Data works with experts in their field who are always on the lookout for the most innovative ways to get the most out of data. Your trainer, Marnix Jansen is a long-time Power BI user and trainer who enjoys sharing their experiences to empower you to be more effective when crafting dashboards.​