Frequently asked questions about Power BI
2023-11-08 Microsoft Power BI

Frequently asked questions about Power BI


Microsoft Power BI system facilitates data analysis and supports business decisions. Thanks to advanced features, the ability to integrate information from multiple sources and an intuitive administration panel, it has become one of the most frequently chosen programs for data analysis. Although it seems that this system is widely known, communication with us often raises similar questions about Power BI. The most common ones are presented in the following article.

What exactly is Power BI used for?

Power BI is a system used for business analysis of data from many sources. Thanks to it, analyzing a large amount of data by all persons involved in a given project or working in the structures of one company is efficient and straightforward. What is essential is that the results of the analysis can be presented in the form of interactive reports and shared with other team members.

Will Power BI be helpful in my company?

Universal access to information enabled entrepreneurs to have practically unlimited access to data. They come from CRM systems, accounting systems, reports, promotional campaigns, or sales activities. A proper and practical analysis of this data set would not be possible without the help of new technologies. On the other hand, accurate data analysis is a valuable source of information that facilitates making business decisions. Therefore, Power BI is a tool recommended for every entrepreneur who wants constant insight into the company's condition.

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Does Power BI allow the integration of data from different sources?

The Power BI service makes integrating data from various sources easy, enabling comprehensive analysis of information from internal company systems and external platforms. This allows users to gain a complete picture and make more informed decisions.

What are the primary data visualisation features offered by Power BI?

Power BI offers various visualisation functions to represent data attractively and understandably. With the help of Microsoft Power BI, you can create multiple types of reports rich in charts, heat maps, pivot tables, and other interactive graphical elements. This makes reports more readable and makes vital information more accessible to understand.

Does Power BI have features to monitor changes in real-time?

Yes, Power BI allows you to monitor data in real-time. This enables you to react quickly to changes and adjust your business strategy accordingly. The monitoring functions will enable you to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and automatically generate alerts when significant changes occur.

Is it possible to customise data access permissions in Power BI?

Yes, Microsoft Power BI allows you to precisely control access to data by configuring permissions. You can define which people have access to specific reports and data, which is essential from an information confidentiality perspective. This also facilitates team collaboration, ensuring every user can access the necessary data.

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Does Power BI integrate with other tools and applications?

Yes, Power BI offers integrations with several popular tools and applications, such as Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365. This allows users to easily exchange data between different platforms, increasing work efficiency and making it easier to use existing systems. Data retrieval is automatic once sources are defined, speeding up work and reporting.

How does Power BI support the company's decision-making process?

The Power BI service supports decision-making by providing precise and up-to-date business data. It enables you to analyse situations, identify trends and forecast future events quickly. This, in turn, allows you to make more informed decisions, which is vital for the efficiency of your business.

Does Power BI offer financial reporting functionality?

Yes, Power BI enables the creation of advanced financial reports, including analysis of budgets, profit and loss statements, and other key economic indicators. This allows the company's finance department to effectively monitor financial health and respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Is it very complicated to use Power BI?

Not! The basics of operation can be learned even in one day. We invite you to regular, free-of-charge “Dashboard in a Day” workshops by EBIS, where each participant can learn Power BI capabilities in practice. It does not require much technical or analytical knowledge to operate it. The scope of information we receive from data analysis in Power BI is vast and can be easily shared between different company departments during remote work.

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What are the benefits of using the Power BI service?

Using the Power BI service enables businesses to analyse business data effectively. The platform facilitates continuous tracking of key performance indicators, allowing for ongoing strategy adjustments and informed decision-making. With PowerBI, users have easy access to data from various sources, increasing the consistency of analysis. The tool also supports reporting processes based on the indicated data model, enabling accurate monitoring of the company's health and the achievement of set goals. Notably, Microsoft Power BI does not require advanced technical knowledge, making it accessible and user-friendly for different users within the company.

What are the main features of Power BI reports?

Microsoft Power BI reports offer visualization features like line charts, heat maps, and pivot tables. These allow you to present data attractively and make essential information easier to understand.

What is a data model in Power BI?

A data model in Power BI is a structure that defines how data is related to each other. With a suitable data model, information can be processed and analysed effectively.

Where can I get detailed information on Power BI courses?

Detailed information on Power BI courses can be found on the EBIS website and in the training offer. These courses allow you to use the system for data analysis effectively. The subject matter is always prepared concerning the participants' knowledge level and the organization's business needs.

What is the difference between natural language and DAX language in the context of Power BI?

Natural language is a human-understandable way of formulating questions. In contrast, the DAX language (Data Analysis Expressions) is a unique programming language used to define formulas and expressions in Power BI, enabling more advanced data analysis.

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Dashboards in Power BI - what are they?

Dashboards in Power BI are interactive panels that make it easier to view and analyse data. They allow users to navigate different reports and charts to increase productivity quickly.

Is it possible to use Power BI from many types of devices?

Yes, Power BI can be used on many types of hardware, including mobile devices. Thanks to that, we can access data regardless of where we work and the time of day. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Where can I find help with Power BI support?

EBIS has been implementing Power BI from the very beginning. Our consultants are well aware of its capabilities, and if our customers need service support, they can count on our help. Much valuable information about Power BI can also be found on our blog and the Microsoft website.

Is it time-consuming to implement Power BI?

The time needed to implement Power BI depends on a given company's selected functionalities and needs. Configuration of the system is always based according to individual preferences. If you want more details, please get in touch with us using the contact form below. Our consultants will answer all additional questions.

Are Power BI and Microsoft Fabric the same thing?

No, Power BI and Microsoft Fabric are not the same, although Microsoft offers both services and are applicable in data analytics.

Microsoft Power BI is a standalone service for business data analytics, enabling the creation of interactive reports and visualisations. It is a tool primarily presenting data and supporting decision-making through clear and dynamic reports.

In turn, under the Microsoft Fabric umbrella, there are various tools, including Data Factory, Synapse (Data Engineering, Data Science, Data Warehouse, Real-Time Analytics), and Power BI. It is an end-to-end service that integrates the different elements into a single platform, enabling data management at different levels - from processing to analysis to presentation.

In which companies is Power BI worth implementing?

Microsoft Power BI is worth implementing in companies that operate in medium and large organisational structures, where data analysis from different areas is crucial for effective management. The system will also prove ideal for companies with diverse business profiles, adapting flexibly to the specifics of various industries. For companies with a global reach and branches on different continents, Power BI is a tool that enables consistent data analysis on an international scale. Its ease of use makes it accessible to various users within a company without the need for advanced technical knowledge. Undoubtedly, Microsoft Power BI is a handy tool for companies that value fact-based decisions, know the value of data analytics, and want to gain a competitive advantage.

Is Power BI a paid service?

The Power BI service offers both a paid and a free version. The free version, Power BI Desktop, allows the creation of reports but limits sharing and collaboration features. The paid version, Power BI Pro, allows full use of advanced features such as report sharing and sharing access to interactive visualisations. A Power BI Premium option, dedicated to large enterprises, provides advanced scalability and additional features. It is worth noting that Power BI offers flexible subscription options to suit different needs and company sizes. If you struggle to choose the ideal solution for your business, don't hesitate to contact us. EBIS consultants will advise you on the best data analytics solution to support your business goals.