About the course
This intensive three-day instructor-led hands-on course focuses on the core competencies required to build robust data solutions. You will learn how to ingest data from diverse sources, clean and shape it using Power Query, and develop sophisticated relational models.
Moving on from basic charts, you will explore the depths of DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) to create complex calculations and time-intelligence measures. We cover the design of intuitive, interactive dashboards that adhere to best practices in data storytelling and user experience. By the end of this workshop, you will be equipped to manage the entire data lifecycle within the Power BI ecosystem, from raw ingestion to workspace deployment.
Instructor-led online and in-house face-to-face options are available - as part of a wider customised training programme, or as a standalone workshop, on-site at your offices or at one of many flexible meeting spaces in the UK and around the World.
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By the end of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Connect to and transform data from diverse sources including SQL databases, cloud folders, and web APIs.
- Construct efficient star-schema data models that minimize technical debt and optimize query speed.
- Write advanced DAX formulas for complex business logic and year - over - year comparisons.
- Design high - impact visual reports with advanced filtering, bookmarks, and drill-through capabilities.
- Manage security, workspaces, and dataset refresh cycles within the Power BI Service.
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This course is designed for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and reporting engineers who need to move beyond spreadsheet-based analysis. It is also suitable for IT professionals tasked with maintaining enterprise-grade reporting environments and those preparing for professional data analyst certifications.
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A fundamental understanding of data structures (rows and columns).
Familiarity with basic Excel functions (such as SUM, IF, and VLOOKUP).
Experience with basic relational database concepts (primary and foreign keys) is beneficial but not mandatory.
We can customise the training to match your team's experience and needs - with more time and coverage of fundamentals for new starters, for instance.
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This Power BI course is available for private / custom delivery for your team - as an in-house face-to-face workshop at your location of choice, or as online instructor-led training via MS Teams (or your own preferred platform).
Get in touch to find out how we can deliver tailored training which focuses on your project requirements and learning goals.
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Data Ingestion and Transformation
Connecting to Data: Establishing connections to flat files, relational databases, and cloud services.
The Power Query Interface: Navigating the M engine and the Query Editor.
Cleaning and Shaping: Profiling data for quality, handling null values, and pivoting/unpivoting datasets.
Advanced Transformation: Merging and appending queries, using parameters, and optimizing data types for performance.
Data Modeling and Architecture
Schema Design: Implementing star and snowflake schemas to ensure model scalability.
Relationship Management: Configuring cardinality (one - to - many, one - to - one) and cross-filter direction.
Calculated Columns vs. Measures: Understanding when to use each for optimal resource management.
Time Intelligence: Creating a standard Calendar table to support temporal analysis.
DAX for Business Logic
DAX Fundamentals: Understanding row context and filter context.
Essential Functions: Utilizing CALCULATE, FILTER, and ALL to manipulate report logic.
Aggregation and Iteration: Working with SUMX, AVERAGEX, and other iterator functions.
Advanced Time Intelligence: Building YTD, MTD, and Same - Period - Last - Year calculations.
Visualisation and User Experience
Report Design Principles: Choosing the right visual for the right data story.
Interactivity Features: Implementing slicers, sync-slicers, and advanced filtering logic.
Navigational Elements: Using bookmarks, buttons, and selection panes for app-like report navigation.
Detail-Driven Design: Configuring drill-through actions and custom tooltips.
Distribution and Governance
The Power BI Service: Publishing reports and managing workspace permissions.
Data Security: Implementing Row-Level Security (RLS) to restrict data access by user role.
Maintenance: Configuring scheduled refreshes and managing gateways.
Content Delivery: Creating and distributing Power BI Apps for organizational consumption.
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Microsoft Power BI Documentation: The official and most comprehensive source for information on all aspects of Power BI Desktop, Service, Mobile, and related tools. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/
Microsoft Learn PL-300 Study Guide: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/resources/study-guides/pl-300
Power BI Blog: Stay up-to-date with the latest features, updates, and announcements for Power BI. https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/
DAX Guide: A definitive reference for Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) functions, concepts, and patterns. An essential resource for anyone working with DAX. https://dax.guide/
Power BI Community Forum: Connect with other Power BI users, ask questions, share solutions, and get help from the community and Microsoft experts. https://community.powerbi.com/
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