12 Things You Can Do With Microsoft Power BI
If you’re reading this article, you might already be a part of the 97% of Fortune 500 companies, or the 150,000+ other companies using the tool today. With over 1 million active users, you want to get the most out of the software.
So, what are some of the best things you can do with Microsoft Power BI?
As a Microsoft Tier 1 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), we’re familiar with the ins and outs of Microsoft’s product line and know how to work them seamlessly with your business operations. Here are 12 things you can do with Microsoft Power BI.
1. Create Beautiful Maps With Your Data
Power BI makes geographical cloud data come alive. It offers three map types: Standard Map, Filled Map and ArcGIS Maps for Power BI. By transforming raw data into interactive, insightful maps, you gain a spatial perspective on your information, enhancing decision-making and identifying patterns that might go unnoticed in traditional reports.
2. Analyze Your Datasets in Excel (Pro or Premium Only)
With Analyze in Excel, seamlessly connect Excel to your Power BI data. This integration allows you to leverage Excel’s powerful analytical capabilities while maintaining the integrity of your connected reporting environment.
Experience true data center modernization by easily exporting and analyzing your data in a familiar Excel environment, which empowers users to make informed decisions with minimal transition.
3. Power BI Mobile App
Access your business insights anytime, anywhere, with the Power BI Mobile App. Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows 10 (and up) devices, this feature-rich app provides a seamless interface tailored for mobile usage. Offering offline access ensures that you stay connected even in areas with limited connectivity.
Share insights, set alerts and keep your team informed, all from the convenience of your mobile device.
4. Monthly Product Updates
Power BI’s evolution is constant, thanks to Microsoft’s commitment to monthly feature updates. As an active user, you have the power to influence its digital transformation and the development of new features.
By participating in the online community and voting for your preferred enhancements, you play a role in shaping the future of data visualization capabilities.
5. Automatic Data Refreshes (Pro or Premium only)
Bid farewell to manual data updates. With Power BI’s scheduled refresh feature, your datasets receive automatic updates, ensuring your analyses are always based on the latest information.
This automation not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and relevance of the insights you generate, fostering data-driven decision-making.
6. Re-use Datasets Across Different Reports and Dashboards (Pro or Premium Only)
Achieve consistency in reporting by defining measures in a central data model. Power BI’s unique ability to reuse calculations across various reports sets it apart from other data visualization tools.
This feature ensures that metrics and KPIs retain consistent definitions across your organization, eliminating the risk of discrepancies in different reports.
7. Make Sense of Data With Data Visualization
You don’t need end-user support to unlock the potential of your data with Power BI’s diverse range of visualization options. From charts and graphs to tables, the tool enables you to represent complex datasets intuitively.
Gain a comprehensive overview of your data, identify correlations and uncover trends with precision, setting the stage for informed decision-making.
8. Easily Source and Transform Data With Power Query
Transforming and manipulating data doesn’t have to be complex. Power BI’s Power Query feature simplifies the process, making it accessible even to those without SQL or programming knowledge.
Connect to various sources, import data with ease and choose from prebuilt SaaS connectors, ensuring a seamless experience in handling and transforming diverse datasets.
9. Consolidate Your Data
Say goodbye to data silos. Power BI allows you to create a unified data model by establishing relationships between different data tables. This consolidation of data from various sources provides a centralized platform for reporting and analysis.
Build interactive dashboards, reports and visualizations with confidence, knowing you have a holistic view of your business at your fingertips.
10. Uncover Insights With Data Exploration
Sift through your data more effectively with Power BI’s exploration capabilities. Slice and dice your data, drill down into specific details and apply filters to focus on relevant information. The Query Editor takes your data exploration a step further by allowing you to transform and shape data from various sources.
Clean, filter, merge and combine data to create a unified and accurate view, ensuring you extract meaningful insights from the vast array of available information.
11. Make Timely Decisions with Real-Time Monitoring
Power BI allows you to connect to real-time data sources and display dynamic visualizations. Monitor key metrics and performance indicators in real time, gaining a live view of your business data.
You can even receive alerts and notifications based on specific data thresholds or conditions, empowering you to proactively respond to significant changes or issues as they happen.
12. Protect Your Data With Data Security and Governance
Cybersecurity is non-negotiable when it comes to your data. Power BI ensures complete data security through role management, access controls and encryption. Manage user roles to control access, and rest easily knowing that data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Embrace features like data lineages, data classification and data sensitivity labels to implement robust data governance policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Want to Leverage Microsoft Power BI to the Fullest?
Extracting meaningful insights from your data is a necessity if you want to make meaningful progress in your business. Using Microsoft Power BI is your ticket to transforming data into actionable intelligence.
If you want to elevate your data analysis capabilities or learn more about other Microsoft offerings like Azure Virtual Desktop or Intune MDM, contact us or book a meeting today.
