Write back options in Power BI with SSAS tabular model

[akj2784]

Hi All,

We have a tabular model based on SSAS which gets the data from Oracle db, and we are using that as a source in Power BI.

We have a use case where we want to write the data back to db and see the impact . Basically write back feature.

Is it something feasible in Power BI ?

Regards,

Akash

[karaoan]

@akj2784 From our experience implementing planning systems, I would question if it's a good idea to write back directly to an SSAS Tab database. This has a variety of problems (particular refresh performance) associated with it. I would look into options to use a relational data base in direct query mode with SSAS for the budgeting/planning tables and implement write back to those. You might find this solution https://wwww.acterys.com that offers business users web based editing of the model, generating Power BI models and reports as well as a variety of write-back and planning options from Power BI and Excel helpful.

[psolli]

Hi,

Writeback to Tabluar with both Import mode and Direct query is fully support with Visual Planning from Power ON. Thers is a great video here to get you started. http://poweronbi.com/powerbi-visual-planning/

You can also load data from Power BI to SQL with their solutions: http://poweronbi.com/2017/06/power-update-from-power-bi-desktop-to-sql-server

Power ON also has a Table Editor that lets you edit SQL Tables in Power BI Service directly. http://poweronbi.com/visual-table-editor/

Contact info is feedback@poweronbi.com

Visual Planner turns Power BI into a fully fledged Goal Seek and Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting solution.

Note: We support Notes at tuple level in the models as well.

VP uses it's own, 5 year in development, write-back engine to SSAS Tabular and SQL/Oracle/Hana/Teradata.

Per Solli

[Anonymous]

No not at all.  Power BI is a reporting tool.  It creates only read-only connections.  There is an idea's area that is likely to have similar requests (i've seen many posts about a similar request).  I wouldn't plan around this change occuring, but i suppose you never know.

[akj2784]

Thanks for the reply. I understand Power BI is a reporting tool. But Oracle BI is also a reporting tool which has write back feature wherein user can write data to db and see the result back in UI.

Saw this link somewhere which talks about write back but need some more details.

http://poweronbi.com/2018/01/write-back-options-in-power-bi/

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

The method used in the link you shared involves using Power Apps and making use of the Power Apps custom visual or the application this particular website is attempting to sell.  Power BI itself isn't doing any write backs, but is simply surfacing up a Power Apps solution.  Its Power Apps (and flow) that would be handling any of the data updates.  The Power On app i have no experience with, but it likely has its own limitations.  I'm unsure what access these apps have to the data within the report it is surfaced within, if any.

[akj2784]

Thanks again. Does Power app need extra license on top of Premium license we have .

Also any idea on the license cost of Visual Planning ?

Thank you for all the input.

[Anonymous]

I know nothing of Visual Planning, so you would need to contact them.  It didn't look free, nor part of Microsoft.

As for Power Apps, the answer will depend on your Microsoft Office license.  Certain license types have a free limited version of Power Apps included.  I'd suggest having a look at the power apps pricing/licensing page:

https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/

[akj2784]

Thank you. !!