Editing PBI Dataset for migrated Analysis Services Tabular model

[Andrew234]

My organisation has successfully migrated a Tabular model from Azure Analysis Services to a PBI Dataset (by deploying the model.bim to PBI using the Tabular Editor via XMLA endpoints). This model is refreshed from a SQL Server database (via a scheduled refresh over a Gateway).

My question is: How can we best manage the PBI Dataset (ie. add new calculated columns, DAX measures etc)?

Since we migrated from a Tabular model.bim file we have no 'original' PBI Desktop file that contains the data model. Therefore it seems like we can't use a PBI Desktop pbix file to manage the model and republish the dataset. Is that correct?

Does this mean the only/best option is to use the Tabular Editor for management of the model (ie. make amends to the model.bim file and then redeploy to the Dataset on PBI service)?

Are there any other suitable options? Our users are more comfortable making changes to the model in PBI Desktop and the Tabular Editor is a new tool to learn. Is it possible to take a model.bim file and create a pbix data model from this?

Many thanks for any advice! Andrew

[Andrew234 · Accepted solution]

I'm just posting an update on this question based on further reading. The simple answer is that it is not possible to use PBI Desktop to edit a data model created via XMLA endpoints. So the best option is to use the 'Tabular Editor' tool. Once familiar with this, it is a great tool and has many advantages over using Power BI Desktop. The best article I've read that explains the 'ecosystem' for managing enterprise data models is this from Marco at SQL BI:

https://www.sqlbi.com/articles/development-tools-for-tabular-models-in-2021/

[lbendlin]

In your workspace go to the dataset, then click the ellipsis and check if it offers the pbix download option.

[Andrew234]

Hi, thanks for that suggestion but the download pbix option is not available as the dataset was created by migrating the Tabular Model via XMLA (and is also stored as a large dataset).

[lbendlin]

Can you access it with Tabular Editor or ALM Toolkit?

[Andrew234]

Yes, we should be able to maintain the dataset via Tabular Editor. However I was interested to know if there is a way to 'create' a pbix file from the dataset and then use PBI Desktop to manage the model.

[lbendlin]

Not at the moment. If this is important to you please consider raising it at https://ideas.powerbi.com