Power BI Tips: Schedule Refresh on Composite Models

Composite Model is a great feature in Power BI. It allows users to consume data from multiple data sources in different connectivity mode. For example, you can build a model in Power BI Desktop that combines the following types of data,

  • Combines data from one or more DirectQuery sources.
  • Combines data from DirectQuery sources and Import data

Here comes a question, Will it possible to refresh the dataset if it combines data from DirectQuery and Import sources or combines data from one or more DirectQuery sources?

The answer is yes. You will be able to refresh the dataset either manually or schedule basis.

Step 1: After published the report,

Go to Settings -> Datasets. Select the dataset that needs to be scheduled.

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI

Step 2: On-Promise sources (both import and direct query mode), you need to configure the On-Premise gateway and add a connection for each data source.

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI PBI_ScheduleRefresh_Gatewaysourceconfig2

Enable the applicable Gateway for your dataset,

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI

Cloud Sources as Import Connectivity, you do not need to configure any gateway.

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI

Step 3: At first publishing of the report, you need to provide data source credentials with details such as authorization method, privacy level.

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI

Step 4: Go to Scheduled refresh. Enable the Schedule refresh option and create schedules as per your requirement.

Schedule Refresh on Composite Model in Power BI

Please do make sure that your gateway and data source is up on running during the refresh. With the above steps, you can easily schedule refreshes for your reports that use a composite model. Please do reach out to Cittabase if you need more information.