Unlock the power of real-time data in your Power BI reports! This ultimate guide dives deep into scheduling report refreshes using the On-premises Data Gateway. Learn how to configure automatic data updates, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize refresh frequency for optimal performance. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this guide provides the knowledge and steps to keep your dashboards consistently current. Let's get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Power BI Report
- Publish your Power BI report to the Power BI service.
Prepare the Power BI Report -
Install and Configure the On-premises Data Gateway
- Install the On-premises Data Gateway.
- Sign in to the On-premises Data Gateway using your Power BI account.
- Refresh the Power BI service page to reflect the installed gateway.
Install and Configure the On-premises Data Gateway -
Set up Data Source Connection in Power BI Service
- Go to the Power BI service report settings and click on 'Schedule refresh'.
- Under 'Gateway connections', select your installed On-premises Data Gateway.
- Configure the data source connection (e.g., SQL Server) and link it to the selected gateway.
Set up Data Source Connection in Power BI Service -
Schedule Report Refresh
- Set up the refresh schedule (daily, weekly, etc.) and specify the refresh time.
- Optionally, set up email notifications for refresh failures.
- Click 'Apply' to save the schedule.
Schedule Report Refresh -
Test the Refresh
- Perform a manual refresh to test the connection and scheduled refresh setup.
Test the Refresh
Tips
- Use the On-premises Data Gateway for organizational settings; personal mode is not suitable for enterprise environments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrect Gateway Configuration
Reason: The On-premises data gateway isn't properly configured to connect to the data source or isn't running, leading to refresh failures.
Solution: Verify the gateway is installed, running, and correctly configured with the necessary data source credentials and permissions.
2. Insufficient Gateway Resources
Reason: The gateway is overloaded with too many simultaneous report refreshes or other tasks, causing delays or failures.
Solution: Increase gateway resources (e.g., more memory, processor power) or optimize report refresh schedules to distribute the load.
3. Data Source Issues
Reason: Problems with the on-premises data source itself (network connectivity, database errors, etc.) prevent the gateway from accessing the data.
Solution: Troubleshoot the data source directly to identify and resolve any connectivity, permission, or data issues.