How can you use Power BI to improve your data analysis skills?

1 What is Power BI?

Power BI is a cloud-based service that allows you to connect to various data sources, such as databases, files, web services, or online platforms, and create interactive dashboards and reports that you can share with others. Power BI also has a desktop application that lets you design and publish your data models and visualizations, and a mobile app that lets you access and interact with your data on the go. Power BI is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which means it integrates well with other Microsoft products, such as Excel, SharePoint, or Teams.

2 How to connect to data sources with Power BI?

One of the first steps in data analysis is to connect to the data sources that you want to analyze. Power BI makes this easy by providing a wide range of connectors that let you access data from different types of sources, such as relational databases, flat files, web pages, APIs, or online services. You can also use Power Query, a feature that lets you import, transform, and combine data from multiple sources using a graphical interface or a scripting language. Power Query can help you clean, filter, merge, and reshape your data before loading it into Power BI.

3 How to model and analyze data with Power BI?

Once you have connected to your data sources, you need to model and analyze your data to make sense of it. Power BI lets you do this by using Power Pivot, a feature that lets you create and manage data models using a tabular format and a formula language called DAX. Power Pivot can help you define relationships, calculations, measures, and hierarchies in your data model, as well as perform advanced analytical functions, such as time intelligence, aggregations, or filtering. Power Pivot can also help you optimize your data model for performance and scalability.

4 How to visualize and communicate data with Power BI?

After you have modeled and analyzed your data, you need to visualize and communicate your findings to your audience. Power BI lets you do this by using Power View, a feature that lets you create and customize interactive charts, maps, tables, and other visual elements that can display your data in various ways. Power View can help you explore and discover patterns, trends, and insights in your data, as well as apply filters, slicers, drill-downs, and cross-filters to interact with your data. Power View can also help you create dashboards and reports that can showcase your data story and deliver your message.

5 How to share and collaborate with Power BI?

One of the benefits of Power BI is that it allows you to share and collaborate with others on your data analysis projects. You can do this by using Power BI Service, a web-based platform that lets you publish, manage, and distribute your dashboards and reports to your colleagues, clients, or partners. Power BI Service can help you control access, permissions, and security of your data, as well as monitor usage, feedback, and performance of your data products. Power BI Service can also help you integrate with other Microsoft 365 tools, such as Teams, SharePoint, or Power Apps, to enhance your collaboration and productivity.

6 How to learn and improve with Power BI?

Power BI is a versatile and dynamic tool that can help you improve your data analysis skills and achieve your goals. However, Power BI is also constantly evolving and adding new features and capabilities, which means you need to keep learning and updating your skills to stay ahead of the curve. You can do this by using Power BI Community, a online platform that lets you connect with other Power BI users, experts, and enthusiasts, and access a wealth of resources, such as blogs, forums, webinars, courses, events, and more. Power BI Community can help you learn new tips and tricks, solve problems, exchange ideas, and get inspired by others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?