Horizontal Fusion in Power BI?

This blog post provides an overview of a new optimization feature in Power BI called horizontal fusion.

What is Horizontal Fusion?

Have you ever found yourself scanning through endless amounts of data just to compute values in a model? It can be quite the tedious task, and let's face it, no one enjoys spending hours on end staring at rows and columns. Well, fear not! Horizontal Fusion is here to save the day.

The Fusion Technique

So, what exactly is Fusion? Fusion is a revolutionary technique that aims to reduce the number of scans required to compute values in a model. It's like having a magic wand that simplifies and streamlines data processing.

There are two types of Fusion: vertical fusion and horizontal fusion. Vertical fusion has been around for a while, but today we'll focus on the new and exciting feature - horizontal fusion.

Vertical Fusion vs. Horizontal Fusion

Vertical fusion consolidates multiple tables with the same structure into one table, reducing the need for redundant scans. It's like stacking multiple pizzas on top of each other to save space in the fridge. But what happens when we want to optimize the processing speed of a single table? That's where horizontal fusion comes into play.

Horizontal fusion takes the concept of fusion a step further by reducing the number of scans of a table. It's like cutting your pizza into smaller, more manageable slices. This allows for faster computation and a more efficient use of resources.

But wait, you might be wondering why we can't just use vertical fusion all the time. Well, not all tables have the same structure, and performing vertical fusion on tables with different structures can result in a messy and confusing data model. That's where horizontal fusion shines!

Introducing DAX Studio

Now, you might be thinking, "Wow, this fusion thing sounds amazing, but how do I actually implement it?" Fear not, my friend! Fusion is easier to understand by writing code in DAX Studio.

DAX Studio is like having a personal chef who prepares the most delicious code recipes. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the fusion process. With just a few lines of code, you can unleash the power of horizontal fusion and optimize your data processing like never before.

But beware! Fusion might be a powerful tool, but it's not without its quirks. As with any coding adventure, there might be a few bumps along the way. Don't worry, though - the DAX Studio community is always ready to lend a helping hand and share their own fusion adventures.

So, there you have it - a brief introduction to the world of Horizontal Fusion. It's a technique that aims to reduce the number of scans required to compute values in a model, making data processing more efficient and enjoyable.

Whether you're a data enthusiast or just someone looking to streamline their workflow, Fusion has something to offer. So grab your code editor, fire up DAX Studio, and let the fusion magic begin!

Benefits of Horizontal Fusion

Horizontal fusion, as the name suggests, is a powerful technique that brings together the best of both worlds - speed and efficiency. It is like merging a tortoise and a hare into a turbocharged animal capable of incredible feats. In the realm of data storage and analysis, horizontal fusion has become a game-changer, offering numerous benefits that can make any model purr like a well-oiled machine. Let's dive into the magical world of horizontal fusion and uncover its astonishing advantages.

The Need for Speed: Storage Engines and Model Size

The first key benefit of horizontal fusion lies in its ability to tap into the lightning-fast speed of storage engines. If you're unfamiliar with storage engines, think of them as the engines that power your data storage and retrieval operations. Just like a nimble cheetah racing across the savannah, a speedy storage engine can significantly enhance the overall performance of your model.

But here's the catch - the benefit of horizontal fusion depends on both the speed of the storage engine and the size of the model. It's like having a fast car, but if the road is cluttered with obstacles, you won't be able to fully utilize its speed. Similarly, when dealing with large models, the benefits of horizontal fusion become even more apparent. Its ability to handle complex calculations and queries with ease can give your model that extra boost it needs.

Vertical Fusion: Reducing Scans with a Single Swipe

Another remarkable benefit of horizontal fusion comes in the form of its sibling, vertical fusion. Imagine being able to compute multiple values in a single scan, saving you time and effort. This is exactly what vertical fusion brings to the table. By reducing the number of scans required, it optimizes the performance of your model and minimizes the strain on your storage engine.

Vertical fusion is like having a magician who can pull out multiple rabbits from a single hat. It's a magical trick that enables your model to generate insights and results with lightning speed. Whether you're crunching numbers, running complex algorithms, or analyzing vast amounts of data, vertical fusion is your secret weapon to conquer the world of analytics.

Horizontal Fusion: Breaking Filter Context Barriers

One of the fantastic abilities of horizontal fusion is its knack for breaking through filter context barriers. You might be wondering what filter contexts are and why they matter. Well, think of filter contexts as the rules and limitations you set when performing data analysis. They help you focus on specific subsets of your data and narrow down your results.

Now, here's where horizontal fusion shines - it can reduce the number of scans even with different filter contexts. It's like having multiple doors that lead to the same destination, allowing your model to traverse different paths without compromising performance. So whether you have a diverse range of filters or complex query requirements, horizontal fusion has got your back.

Bigger Models, Slower Engines: Horizontal Fusion to the Rescue

Large models with slower storage engines can sometimes feel like a turtle trying to outrun a hare. But fear not, for horizontal fusion comes to the rescue once again. Its significant benefits shine particularly bright in such situations, where it can optimize performance and bring back the pep in your model's step.

Think of horizontal fusion as a turbocharger for slow storage engines. It injects life into your model, transforming it into a high-performance machine capable of tackling the most demanding data analysis tasks. So, no matter how large your model is or how slow your storage engine might be, horizontal fusion will ensure your model runs like a well-oiled data-processing powerhouse.

Enabling the Fusion: Writing DAX Code Like a Maestro

By now, you might be wondering how to unlock the full potential of horizontal fusion. Well, here's the secret - enabling horizontal fusion and writing DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) code that takes advantage of this feature is all that is required to reap its benefits.

Enabling horizontal fusion is like flipping a switch that activates a hidden power within your model. Once enabled, the magic begins. You can start crafting DAX code that leverages horizontal fusion to optimize performance, reduce scan counts, and achieve incredible results.

Now, you might be thinking that writing DAX code sounds like a daunting task, but fear not - it's not as complex as it seems. With a little practice and some guidance, you'll be wielding DAX code like a maestro conducts an orchestra.

Remember, the fusion is in your hands. Embrace horizontal fusion, unleash the power of your storage engine, and watch your model soar to new heights of performance and efficiency.

Limitations of Horizontal Fusion

The Struggles of Horizontal Fusion

While horizontal fusion may seem like a powerful tool in the world of data analysis, it does come with its fair share of limitations. These limitations often require users to make adjustments and workarounds to achieve the desired results. In this blog post, we will explore the two major limitations of horizontal fusion and provide insights on how to overcome them.

Different Filter Contexts for Columns

One of the main limitations of horizontal fusion is the need for different filter contexts for each individual column. In some cases, you may want to apply filters to all columns in a horizontal fusion, except for one specific column. Unfortunately, this can prove to be a challenging task.

Picture this scenario: You have a data table that includes columns for sales, expenses, and profit. You want to create a horizontal fusion to analyze the overall performance of your company. However, you only want to apply a filter to the sales column, while keeping the other columns unaffected by the filter. This seemingly simple requirement can quickly become a headache in Power BI.

Currently, there is no direct way to apply different filter contexts to individual columns within a horizontal fusion. This means you will need to come up with creative workarounds to overcome this limitation. One possible workaround is to create separate visualizations for each column and then use other Power BI features, such as bookmarks, to synchronize the filter context across these visualizations.

While this workaround can be effective, it does add complexity to your report. It may also require additional time and effort to set up properly. Nonetheless, it is a viable option for dealing with the limitation imposed by horizontal fusion.

The Previews Are Not Always Picture Perfect

Another limitation of horizontal fusion is the requirement to enable the preview feature in Power BI Desktop. This means that in order to leverage the power of horizontal fusion, you must be willing to work with features that are still being tested and refined. As with any preview feature, there can be unexpected bugs and inconsistencies that may hinder your data analysis experience.

Enabling the preview feature can sometimes feel like entering uncharted territory. You may encounter situations where the fusion does not behave as expected, or where certain functionalities are missing altogether. While Power BI's development team is continually working to improve these features, it is important to be aware that the preview version of horizontal fusion may not always provide a flawless experience.

However, don't let this discourage you! Embracing the preview version comes with its own benefits. You will have the opportunity to explore new functionalities and push the limits of what is possible with horizontal fusion. Just be prepared to encounter a few bumps along the way.

Humor in the Face of Limitations

Dealing with limitations can be frustrating, but humor can help alleviate some of that frustration. Let's take a moment to chuckle at the quirks and challenges of horizontal fusion:

Why did the horizontal fusion get a ticket? Because it was caught in a filter trap!

While this joke may not be award-winning material, it reminds us to find joy in the face of limitations. Embrace the complexities of horizontal fusion, and you may discover new ways to overcome obstacles and achieve better insights.

In conclusion, horizontal fusion, while a powerful tool, does have its limitations. The need for different filter contexts for individual columns can be a hurdle, requiring creative workarounds to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the reliance on preview features introduces the possibility of encountering unexpected issues and inconsistencies.

Despite these limitations, it is important to approach horizontal fusion with a sense of humor and an open mind. By acknowledging the challenges and seeking innovative solutions, you can unlock the true potential of this tool and gain valuable insights from your data.

Using Horizontal Fusion

So you're working with Power BI and you need to compute some calculations. But there's a catch - you have to scan the sales table every time. Ugh, talk about a time-consuming task!

But fear not, my friend. Power BI has your back with a nifty little feature called Horizontal Fusion. It's like having a magical potion that reduces the number of scans by grouping values based on different filter contexts.

Imagine this: you have different types of calculations that you need to perform. With Horizontal Fusion, you can seamlessly use it with any and every type of calculation. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for your data analysis needs.

Now, let's talk about the best part – Fusion is automatically optimized in Power BI. What does that mean? Well, it means that your queries with multiple measures and different filter contexts will reap the benefits without any extra effort on your part.

Last Words

Horizontal Fusion in Power BI is the ultimate time-saver when it comes to computing calculations. It reduces the number of scans by grouping values based on filter contexts, can be used with any type of calculation seamlessly, and is automatically optimized in Power BI for queries with multiple measures and different filter contexts.