Bridge the Divide: Learn How to Integrate Power BI with SharePoint for Real-Time Collaboration

Power BI and SharePoint are two powerful tools that, when combined, can empower businesses with unparalleled data insights and collaboration capabilities. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to connect Power BI to SharePoint, enabling you to unlock the full potential of both platforms.

Prerequisites: Setting the Stage

Before embarking on the connection process, ensure that you have the following prerequisites in place:

• Active Power BI Pro or Premium account
• SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server 2019 or later
• SharePoint list or library with the desired data

Step 1: Creating a Data Source in Power BI

1. Launch Power BI Desktop.
2. Click on “Get Data” from the Home tab.
3. Select “SharePoint Online List” or “SharePoint Folder” based on your data source type.
4. Enter the SharePoint site URL and provide your credentials.

Step 2: Selecting the SharePoint List or Library

1. Browse through the SharePoint folders and select the list or library containing the data you wish to connect.
2. Click on “Connect.”

Step 3: Configuring Data Privacy Settings

1. Review the data privacy settings and make any necessary adjustments.
2. Select the appropriate privacy level for your organization.

Step 4: Importing the Data into Power BI

1. Choose the desired import mode: “Import” or “DirectQuery.”
2. Click on “Load” to import the data into Power BI.

Step 5: Creating Visualizations and Reports

1. Explore the imported data and create visualizations to represent the insights.
2. Design reports to present the data in a meaningful and actionable way.

Step 6: Publishing the Report to Power BI Service

1. Publish the report to the Power BI service to share it with others.
2. Grant access to the report to authorized users.

Step 7: Embedding the Report in SharePoint

1. Navigate to the SharePoint site where you want to embed the report.
2. Insert a Power BI web part into the desired page or section.
3. Configure the web part settings, including the report URL and filter parameters.

Tips for Enhanced Connection

• Use the “DirectQuery” import mode for real-time data updates.
• Leverage SharePoint security groups to control access to the embedded report.
• Optimize report performance by filtering out unnecessary data.
• Utilize Power BI desktop gateways for secure data access from on-premises SharePoint servers.

Conclusion: Powering Data-Driven Collaboration

By connecting Power BI to SharePoint, you empower your organization to make data-driven decisions, collaborate seamlessly, and unlock new levels of productivity. Embrace the synergy between these two platforms and unlock the full potential of your data.

FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of connecting Power BI to SharePoint?
A: Enhanced data insights, improved collaboration, real-time data updates, and secure data access.

Q: Can I connect Power BI to SharePoint on-premises?
A: Yes, you can use Power BI desktop gateways for secure data access from on-premises SharePoint servers.

Q: How do I control access to the embedded report in SharePoint?
A: Utilize SharePoint security groups to grant specific permissions to authorized users.