A comprehensive workshop on Power BI Desktop, structured in modules so participants can tailor the learning to their needs. It covers the foundations of Microsoft's business-analytics tool and its integration with Excel, with emphasis on Pivot, Power Pivot, Power Query, DAX and M.
Attendees gain practical insight into building robust data models, with modules on star and snowflake schemas, fact and dimension tables, and the Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) process. Throughout, participants create custom columns, measures and calculated columns and learn to present insights through interactive reports and dashboards.
What we cover
1. The anatomy of Power BI and Excel How the two tools complement each other: importing Excel data, using Excel's calculation capabilities within Power BI, and combining both for a complete data solution.
2. Pivot Reorganizing and summarizing complex datasets with pivot tables for interactive exploration.
3. Power Pivot The Excel add-in for large data sets, complex calculations and sophisticated data models that carry into Power BI.
4. Power Query Connecting to data sources and cleaning, transforming and preparing data before loading it into the model.
5. DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) The formula language for calculated columns, measures and tables.
6. M The language behind Power Query for scripting and automating data fetching, cleaning and reshaping.
7. Custom columns, measures and calculated columns Extending the model through Power Query and DAX.
8. Star schema A central fact table connected directly to dimension tables, for performance and simplicity.
9. Snowflake schema Normalized multidimensional models with fact tables linked to multiple dimensions.
10. Fact tables Storing the quantitative metrics and measures at the centre of the model.
11. Dimension tables Categorizing and describing business entities such as time, geography or product.
12. Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) Moving data from source to model using Power Query.
13. Analysis Using DAX for measures and calculated columns, visualizing through reports and dashboards, and deriving insights.
14. Presentation Interactive reports, dashboards, custom visualizations and sharing through the Power BI service.
Every session is customized to your organization's needs. The final agenda is confirmed with your facilitator before delivery.
For organizations that need business data turned into reports and dashboards people actually use, from Excel power users to new analysts.
Comfortable Excel users get the most from it; Excel Level 3 is a natural lead-in
Modules can be selected to suit the group
Hands-on, instructor-led instruction in Power BI Desktop
Course materials for every module delivered
Exercises on your own data where possible
Live online: instructor-led, fully interactive, no travel
In-person: at your offices or a venue of your choice
Typical duration of 2 days of 3 x 4 hours
Pricing depends on delivery mode, group size and how much customization you want. Tell us the shape and we will quote it.
