possible to update data in report dynamically? (Excel?Push Data?SQL database?)

[XiaodongLiang]

Hi experts,

I created a report with custom visual. The data source is from an Excel file. I hope to use the definition of the data, while update the data dynamically when the custom visual is loaded.  e.g. assume the Excel file is defined as:

ID        Material      Type

----------------------------

123       Glass          Wall

When custom visual is loaded., I hope to update the data , or append data. 

ID        Material      Type

----------------------------

123       Glass          Wall

456       Steel           Beam

Excel is a static data source, it is understandable it cannnot be upated in custom visual.  I am wondering if the only ways are:

• either by Push Data format. i.e. define a Push Data in advance,report uses this data and update the data by Restful API of PowerBI in the custom visual
• Or by a SQL database of Azure, and update in the custom viisual.

if these are the only approaches,  how to notifiy report to refresh with the newest data? 

Thanks for any input!

[lbendlin]

Use a PowerApps visual for data write-back into the data source. That's currently the only option (ok, besides R or Python script visuals).

[Greg_Deckler]

@XiaodongLiang - Use a data source such as Azure SQL that supports DirectQuery. Then the data is always the latest.