Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel

Renowned DAX experts Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo teach you how to design data models for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

How can you use Excel and Power BI to gain real insights into your information? As you examine your data, how do you write a formula that provides the numbers you need? The answers to both of these questions lie with the data model. This book introduces the basic techniques for shaping data models in Excel and Power BI. It's meant for readers who are new to data modeling as well as for experienced data modelers looking for tips from the experts. If you want to use Power BI or Excel to analyze data, the many real-world examples in this book will help you look at your reports in a different way-like experienced data modelers do. As you'll soon see, with the right data model, the correct answer is always a simple one!

By reading this book, you will:

Gain an understanding of the basics of data modeling, including tables, relationships, and keys

Familiarize yourself with star schemas, snowflakes, and common modeling techniques

Learn the importance of granularity

Discover how to use multiple fact tables, like sales and purchases, in a complex data model

Manage calendar-related calculations by using date tables

Track historical attributes, like previous addresses of customers or manager assignments

Use snapshots to compute quantity on hand

Work with multiple currencies in the most efficient way

Analyze events that have durations, including overlapping durations

Learn what data model you need to answer your specific business questions

About This Book

For Excel and Power BI users who want to exploit the full power of their favorite tools

For BI professionals seeking new ideas for modeling data