One of many coolest options added to the April 2016 launch of Energy BI Desktop is “Question Parameters”. With Question Parameters we are able to now create parameters in Energy BI Desktop and use them in numerous instances. As an illustration, we are able to now outline a question referencing a parameter to retrieve totally different datasets. Or we are able to reference parameters through Filter Rows. Typically talking we are able to reference parameters through:

• Information Supply

• Filter Rows

• Preserve Rows

• Take away Rows

• Exchange Rows

As well as, parameters might be loaded to the Information Mannequin in order that we are able to reference them from measures, calculated columns, calculated tables and report parts.

In “Energy BI Desktop Question Parameters” sequence of articles I present you the right way to use Question Parameters in several situations.

On this article I’ll present you some use instances of Question Parameters based mostly on some situations as under:

1. Parameterising a Information Supply

2. Utilizing Question Parameters in Filter Rows

You’ll be taught extra about Question Parameters within the subsequent articles “Energy BI Desktop Question Parameters, Half 2, SQL Server Dynamic Information Masking Use Case” and “Energy BI Question Parameters, Half 3, Listing Output“

You’ll require to satisfy the next necessities to have the ability to comply with this put up:

1. The newest model of Energy BI Desktop (Model: 2.34.4372.322 64-bit (April 2016) or later)

Observe: As Dynamic Information Masking (DDM) is a brand new function of SQL Server 2016 and it isn’t obtainable within the earlier variations of SQL Server it is advisable to set up the most recent model of SQL Server 2016. So you will want SQL Server 2016 and Journey Works CTP3 solely if you wish to use Question Parameters on high of Dynamic Information Masking (DDM).

Parameterising a Information Supply may very well be utilized in many alternative use instances. From connecting to totally different information sources outlined in Question Parameters to load totally different mixtures of columns. To make it extra clear I break down the situation to some extra particular use instances.

Use Case 1: Parameterising Information Supply to Connect with Totally different Servers and Totally different Databases

Suppose you’ve totally different clients utilizing the identical database schema. However, the databases hosted in several cases of SQL Server and likewise the database names are totally different. With Question Parameters we are able to simply swap between totally different information sources then publish the stories to every clients’ Energy BI Service.

1-Click on “New”

2-Kind a reputation for the parameter

3-You may as well write an outline

4-Choose Kind as Textual content

5-From “Allowed Values” choose “Listing of Values”. This opens a listing you can sort in several values for the parameter. For those who don’t wish to enter ant predefined values for the parameter choose “Any worth” for “Allowed Values”

6-Fill the record with some legitimate values. In our case it might be occasion names

7, 8, 9-Choose a “Default Worth” and “Present Worth” then click on OK

• The info supply refreshes to load information from the brand new server/database

Use Case 2: Loading Dynamic Columns from the Information Supply

Bear in mind the earlier use case. We had totally different clients having totally different databases on totally different servers. Our clients even have totally different reporting wants. As an illustration, they should see their clients’ names in several shapes. The purchasers information saved in DimCustomer. We must always cowl the mixtures under for “Buyer Identify” column:

1- Buyer Identify = LastName from DimCustomer

2- Buyer Identify = FirstName + LastName from DimCustomer

3- Buyer Identify = LastName  + FirstName from DimCustomer

4- Buyer Identify = FirstName + MiddleName + LastName from DimCustomer

To help this we are able to create a parameter containing all mixtures above for Buyer Identify.

• Delete DimCustomer from the mannequin we created for the earlier use case

• Create a brand new parameter and add all wanted mixtures within the record of values. You are able to do this by proper clicking on the Queries pane then click on “New Parameter” or by clicking on “Handle Parameters” from the ribbon

Observe: It is best to put T-SQL syntax to create totally different mixtures within the values record because the values might be used as a column within the information supply question.

• Now we have to import DimCustomer into the mannequin once more. (Bear in mind, we eliminated DimCustomer in pervious steps)

• Click on “New Supply” from the ribbon on Question Editor window

• Click on “SQL Server Database” then “Join”

• Choose “Server” and “Database” parameters

• Click on “Superior choices”

• Put the next SQL assertion

SELECT customerkey,

       geographykey,

       customeralternatekey,

       title,

       –firstname,

       –middlename,

       lastname,

       namestyle,

       birthdate,

       maritalstatus,

       suffix,

       gender,

       emailaddress,

       yearlyincome,

       totalchildren,

       numberchildrenathome,

       englisheducation,

       spanisheducation,

       frencheducation,

       englishoccupation,

       spanishoccupation,

       frenchoccupation,

       houseownerflag,

       numbercarsowned,

       addressline1,

       addressline2,

       telephone,

       datefirstpurchase,

       commutedistance

FROM   DIMCUSTOMER

Observe: I took out “firstname” and “middlename” from the question. The “lastname” column might be changed with the “CustomerName” parameter within the subsequent steps.