Looking for help connecting to MRI SaaS data source

[mwmckee]

Hello!

Has anyone any experience or suggestions in using MRI software-as-a-service (SaaS) as a Power BI data source?

MRI is an property management ERP system with SQL Server as its database.  They offer an on-premises deployment model or SaaS.
Connectivity to the MRI SaaS would be easy if there was online service connectivity like Facebook, Salesforce, Dynamics 365 etc., but MRI is too much of a specialty market I suppose.

I am considering an option of creating a VPN, but are there other suggestions?  Perhaps someone has addressed a similar problem with a different ERP?

Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Michael

[Syndicate_Admin]

Hi Jake

Came across this thread and am wondering if you were successful in getting a solution to integrate MRI with Power BI? I am looking at doing the same thing but my access to the servers is so restricted i cannot even test much without getting error / restriction messages. Let me know if you have managed to get it done. I may need tips on what access i need to request.

[Syndicate_Admin]

Quantra Technology Solutions (info@quantratech.com)

We have implemented PowerBI for many MRI SAAS clients. 1. API is good however needs a staging database for transformation requirements and data pull restrictions.  2. Report Scheduler - using Email and Powerautomate.

[v-yuezhe-msft · Accepted solution]

@mwmckee,

There are two options for you to connect to MRI in Power BI Desktop.

1. Directly connect to the underlying SQL Server database using SQL connector in Power BI Desktop.
2. Contact MRI support about how to use its API to receive data, then use Web connector in Power BI Desktop to connect to the API. There is also a discussion for your reference.

Regards,
Lydia

[mwmckee]

Hi Lydia,

Thank you for your response.

I was vaguely aware of the MRI API toolkit referred to in the link in option #2.  That is being investigated, although I understand MRI's fees for it are considerable.

Regards,

Michael

[JakeTWalker]

Hi Michael,

Years later I am looking to complete a similar process to integrate MRI with Power BI and came across this thread. I am wondering if you ever came across a solution and how it turned out for you. Any insight you could share would be greatly appreciated!

[AMStM]

Jake,

I saw this thread and I am reaching out because we are trying to do this same here one year later.   Have you determined a solution and if so would appreciate any updates!

[mwmckee]

Hi Jake,

It's great to see old posts have relevance even today.

That said, unfortunately, I did not find a solution at the time, and the client changed focus. The Power BI integration project never got restarted.

I hope you find a solution.

Michael