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Power BI Data Import Playbook

Rory Neary

Connecting to data is often the first place to begin when starting a new Power BI report. This course will teach you the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources from Power BI.

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Connecting to data is often the first place to begin when starting a new Power BI report. This course will teach you the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources from Power BI.

Every Power BI report starts with data, which can be housed in a multitude of ways. In this course, Power BI Data Import Playbook, you’ll learn fundamental skills for making and using connections to sources of data in your reports. First, you’ll explore how data importation fits within the context of building a simple end to end Power BI report. Then, you'll delve into other data sources starting with structured sources such as databases all the way through to unstructured ones including Excel and web data sources. Finally, you'll learn about data privacy and even get to discover how to create tables from thin air using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions). When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Power BI data importation needed to enable you to begin building insightful Power BI reports.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Understanding How Import Fits within the Power BI Model Production Process
Connecting to Databases, Data Warehouses, SSAS Cubes, and Power BI Data Models Using Power BI
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Connecting to Databases through Direct Query
Configuring Privacy Levels for Data Sources
Connecting to Online Sources Using Power BI
Connecting to SharePoint Data
Connecting to Text and CSV Data Sources from Power BI
Loading Data Using an R Script
Importing Excel Data and Workbooks to Power BI
Connecting to Web Data Sources from Power BI
Storing and Connecting to Your Office 365 Data Files
Using Blank Queries to Create Data Tables
Entering Your Own Data by Hand
Creating Tables from Thin Air
Course Wrap Up

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches fundamental skills for making and using connections to data sources in your Power BI reports
Covers a wide range of data sources starting with structured sources such as databases all the way through to unstructured ones including Excel and web data sources
Helps learners connect to Power BI data models
Provides knowledge of how data importation fits into building a Power BI report
Suitable for building insightful Power BI reports
Taught by experienced instructors

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Power BI Data Import Playbook with these activities:
Organize course notes and resources
Maintain a well-organized repository of course materials, ensuring easy access to essential information for effective learning.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
  • Regularly add and organize notes, assignments, and other resources.
Review Database fundamentals
Review the basic concepts of relational databases to strengthen the foundation for understanding data connections.
Browse courses on Database Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Revisit concepts of tables, rows, and columns.
  • Practice writing simple SQL queries.
Explore Power BI documentation
Supplement the course material by delving into official Power BI documentation, broadening the understanding of data connectivity options.
Show steps
  • Visit the Power BI documentation website.
  • Review the section on connecting to data sources.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Connect to a SQL Server database
Gain hands-on experience in connecting to a real-world data source, solidifying the understanding of data connectivity.
Browse courses on SQL Server
Show steps
  • Establish a connection to a SQL Server database using Power BI.
  • Import data from the database into a Power BI model.
Connect to a variety of data sources
Expand the understanding of data connectivity by practicing connections to diverse data sources, enhancing adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Data Sources
Show steps
  • Connect to a SharePoint list.
  • Import data from an Excel workbook.
  • Establish a connection to a web API.
Collaborate with classmates
Engage in peer discussions and knowledge sharing, fostering a collaborative learning environment that promotes deeper understanding.
Show steps
  • Join or create a study group with classmates.
  • Discuss course concepts and share experiences.
Create a simple Power BI report
Apply the learned data connection techniques to create a meaningful visual representation of data, enhancing comprehension and analysis skills.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Design a simple report layout with visualizations.
  • Add data from connected sources to the report.
  • Format and customize the report for presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Power BI Data Import Playbook will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst interprets and communicates data to help businesses and organizations make better decisions. This course can help you become a Data Analyst by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Analysts, as they need to be able to access and analyze data from a variety of sources in order to make informed decisions. Additionally, this course will help you understand how to configure privacy levels for data sources, which is important for protecting sensitive data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps businesses to improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. This course can help you become a Business Analyst by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Business Analysts, as they need to be able to access and analyze data from a variety of sources in order to make informed decisions about how to improve business performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses data to build models and solve problems. This course can help you become a Data Scientist by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Scientists, as they need to be able to access and analyze data from a variety of sources in order to build accurate models and solve complex problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer builds and maintains the infrastructure that is used to store and process data. This course can help you become a Data Engineer by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Engineers, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to build and maintain the data infrastructure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. This course can help you become a Database Administrator by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Database Administrators, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to manage and maintain databases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Power BI Developer
A Power BI Developer develops and deploys Power BI reports. This course can help you become a Power BI Developer by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Power BI Developers, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to develop and deploy Power BI reports.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power BI Developer
Data Integration Specialist
A Data Integration Specialist integrates data from a variety of sources. This course can help you become a Data Integration Specialist by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Integration Specialists, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to integrate data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Integration Specialist
Data Architect
A Data Architect designs and builds data systems. This course can help you become a Data Architect by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Architects, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to design and build data systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect
Data Warehouse Architect
A Data Warehouse Architect designs and builds data warehouses. This course can help you become a Data Warehouse Architect by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Warehouse Architects, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to design and build data warehouses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Architect
Data Governance Specialist
A Data Governance Specialist develops and implements data governance policies and procedures. This course can help you become a Data Governance Specialist by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Governance Specialists, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to develop and implement data governance policies and procedures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Specialist
Data Quality Analyst
A Data Quality Analyst ensures that data is accurate and complete. This course can help you become a Data Quality Analyst by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Quality Analysts, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to ensure that data is accurate and complete.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Quality Analyst
Data Security Analyst
A Data Security Analyst protects data from unauthorized access and use. This course can help you become a Data Security Analyst by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Security Analysts, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to protect data from unauthorized access and use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Security Analyst
Database Designer
A Database Designer designs and develops databases. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Database Designer, as it will provide you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills can be helpful for Database Designers, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to design and develop databases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Designer
Data Visualization Specialist
A Data Visualization Specialist creates visual representations of data. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Data Visualization Specialist, as it will provide you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills can be helpful for Data Visualization Specialists, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to create visual representations of data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist
Data Analyst Intern
A Data Analyst Intern assists Data Analysts with their work. This course can help you become a Data Analyst Intern by providing you with the skills and techniques for connecting to a wide range of data sources and importing data into Power BI. These skills are essential for Data Analyst Interns, as they need to be able to connect to and import data from a variety of sources in order to assist Data Analysts with their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst Intern

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Power BI Data Import Playbook.
The Definitive Guide to DAX
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data integration techniques in Power BI, covering data sources, data transformation, and data quality management. Discusses best practices for building robust and scalable data integration solutions.
The Definitive Guide to DAX: Business Intelligence...
Paperback
$$$
The Definitive Guide to Dax (Business Skills)
Paperback
$$$
Definitive Guide to DAX, The: Business intelligence...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for...
Save
Provides advanced techniques for data modeling in Power BI. Covers data modeling patterns, data normalization, and performance optimization. Emphasizes best practices for building enterprise-grade data models.
Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for...
Paperback
$$
Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introducing Microsoft Power BI
Save
Provides comprehensive guidance on Power BI administration. Covers deployment planning, user management, and performance monitoring. Emphasizes best practices for managing Power BI environments in enterprise organizations.
Introducing Microsoft Power BI
Paperback
Check
Introducing Microsoft Power BI
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Collect, Combine, and Transform Data Using Power...
Save
Provides practical recipes for data wrangling and transformation using Power Query. Covers data cleansing, data merging, and data shaping. Emphasizes best practices for improving data quality and reusability.
Collect, Combine, and Transform Data Using Power...
Paperback
$$
Collect, Combine, and Transform Data Using Power...
Paperback
$$
Collect, Combine, and Transform Data Using Power...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Definitive Guide to DAX
Save
Provides practical guidance on data importation, transformation, and modeling in Power BI. Offers insights into optimizing performance and implementing advanced techniques.
The Definitive Guide to DAX: Business Intelligence...
Paperback
$$$
The Definitive Guide to Dax (Business Skills)
Paperback
$$$
Definitive Guide to DAX, The: Business intelligence...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook
Save
Focuses on data analysis techniques and strategies in Power BI, including data importation and modeling. Provides hands-on examples and best practices for effective data analysis.
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook - Second Edition: Gain...
Paperback
$$$
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook: Gain expertise in...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Optimizing DAX
Save
Serves as a quick reference guide for Power BI users, including information on data importation, data modeling, and creating visualizations. Provides concise instructions and practical tips.
Optimizing DAX: Improving DAX performance in...
Paperback
$$$
Optimizing DAX: Improving DAX performance in...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Time
106 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Rory Neary
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Microsoft Power BI for Analysts. It's comprised of 13 courses:
  1. Building Your First Power BI Report
  2. Power BI Data Import Playbook (viewing)
  3. Power BI Data Preparation Playbook
  4. Modeling Data in Power BI
  5. Getting Started with DAX Formulas in Power BI, Power Pivot, and SSAS
  6. Effective Reporting with Power BI
  7. Creating Dashboards with Power BI
  8. Deploying and Publishing Power BI Reports
  9. Effective Quick Insights and Q&A in Power BI
  10. Querying and Shaping Data in Power BI Using M
  11. Leveraging Timely On-premises Data with Power BI
  12. Power BI Playbook: Securing Shared Data with Power BI
  13. Common DAX Expressions and Scenarios Power BI Playbook
Good to know
Teaches fundamental skills for making and using connections to data sources in your Power BI reports
Covers a wide range of data sources starting with structured sources such as databases all the way through to unstructured ones including Excel and web data sources
Helps learners connect to Power BI data models
Provides knowledge of how data importation fits into building a Power BI report
Suitable for building insightful Power BI reports
Taught by experienced instructors
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