Integrate Power BI Reports in SharePoint Online

Power BI and SharePoint

Several firms opt for creating modern intranet in SharePoint within the Office 365 circle which is why it is so useful to create reports with the help of it. It is also a safe space for storing all of your Microsoft Power BI reports. Reputable software development firms such as Code Creators have a wide range of expertly-qualified employees who know how to use these tools to get the most out of them. It is with their collaboration efforts that the following easy step-by-step guide has been created to guide you through integrating your very own Power BI reports with SharePoint Online services so that you too, may reap all that they have to offer together.

Why You Need to Try Power BI?

Power BI is Free

Yes, though a professional version of it exists that can present data in a more efficient manner, there is a free version of Power BI available for those who are simply new to the whole idea.

Integration Options for 65 Data Sources

Power BI gives you the opportunity to derive raw data from 65 sources which can include a entire SQL database, and even several third-party tools such as Google Analytics, Salesforce and more.

No Coding Required

While using Microsoft Power BI Reports with SharePoint Online Services, you require no initial coding. Your data can simply be configured with the use of simple operations, much like the one you are already familiar with in Microsoft Excel.

Easily Share Dashboards

When you use Office 365’s apps, you will easily be able to share dashboards with however many people you need to share them with. This can be a single individual or even a group in Office 365. You will even have the opportunity to share your dashboards with certain guests of your choosing.

How to Create a Power BI Dashboard

Download Power BI’s Desktop Version

Power BI has two versions, desktop version and online version. However, we recommend that you begin by downloading the desktop version of Power BI to create your first dashboard. Once you are done, you can proceed to publish your dashboard on the online version of Power BI where it can be shared easily with the rest of your colleagues.

Getting Data From SharePoint

After opening Power BI, click on Get Data button which can be found on the Home tab along the ribbon. This is where you can gain access to all the data sources at your disposal.

Selecting the Right Data Type

Here, you will find three kinds of SharePoint Data Connectors listed as follows,

1. Folders
2. Online Lists
3. Regular Lists

You can choose which object type suits you best and then add your SharePoint URL.

Loading Your Data

On your left side, you will be able to choose the relevant list or folder. You will see a preview of all the data that can be loaded in the Navigator window.
Editing Query and Making Good Visuals

Before you load the data into your Power BI, we recommend you adjust, shape, or modify your data any way you need to. If it is the matter of a query, this will be a good time to edit it before you begin working on a larger data set. How to edit the query, you ask? The process is simple. Click on Edit, and then continue to make any adjustments you need to in the Query Editor.

Publishing Your Report on Power BI Online

Proceed to the Power BI home screen and login where you will see your report in gray in the middle of the very left column, here you will see a few elements such as Workspace, Dashboard, Reports and Data Sets.

Transforming Your Report into a Dashboard

This is the easiest part. In order to turn your report into a dashboard, all you need to do is access your report and click on the pin icon. From here, you can either select or create the dashboard you would like to have your visuals displayed on.
Selecting Automated Refresh

Without selecting this feature, your dashboard will never refresh on its own and therefore, your data visuals will not be updated as new data emerges. In the Datasets section, select your data set and click on … button. From there you will click on Schedule Refresh. After this, you will be able to input your login details and select the refresh frequency that suits your needs.

Embed Your Power BI Report in SharePoint Online

In order to embed your report onto SharePoint Online, you need the report URL which will then be able to be shared onto SharePoint Online’s Power BI web part.

Get the URL

Open the report in Power BI, click on File from the dropdown menu and then proceed to click on Embed in SharePoint Online. Once you do this, you will get the

URL you need from the dialog.

Add the Report in SharePoint Online

Go into SharePoint Online and click on New to create a new site page. Click on + from the dropdown menu and then click on Power BI web part. Once you have done that, click on Add Report. Here you will paste the URL you obtained from your report into the Power BI Report link section which will automatically load your report. Click on Publish. And there you have it, your Power BI report has been published onto your SharePoint Online site and can be visible to your users.

Grant Specialized Access

Remember to set specialized access to your Power BI reports from the settings!

Now that your SharePoint Online is integrated with your Power BI report, your business can flourish due to the successful collaboration efforts of all your employees that will also have improved communications with a all of your clients.