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SQL Data Import

Thanks to using the PAFnow data processing via the PAFnow SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package, all necessary raw data is automatically imported into your SQL Server-database and converted into the PAFnow optimized data model for Power BI.

Below you will learn how to import your processed data from the SQL-database into PAFnow Reports.

Starting with a .pbit-Template

To start PAFnow for the first time, you need to connect to your Microsoft SQL Server once in advance to import the data into the PAFnow Report and set the parameters. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the file with the extension *.pbit. This is a template that contains the PAFnow Data Model, PAFnow Custom Visuals and the prepared analysis and report pages.

    PBIT

    Several versions are available here.

    • In the Direct Query version, the PAFnow Report establishes a live connection to the data source so that changes to the database are reflected directly in the report.

    • In the Import version, the selected tables and columns from the data source are imported into the Report. To view changes made to the underlying data since the first import or last update, you must refresh the data in the report. With this update the entire record is imported into the Report again.

    • Use any of the two Report Server versions (Import or Direct Query) if you want to publish your Power BI reports to the Power BI Report Server.

  2. A window appears, in which you must enter the server and database name. Enter the server and database name under which your data is stored and press Load.

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  3. Now, the data is automatically loaded into the PAFnow Report. The import usually takes a few minutes, depending on the amount of data.

  4. Once the import is completed, all report pages are automatically filled with your data. Now you can save the file with your imported data going to File > Save and selecting a storage location.

PAFnow is now ready to use and using the *.pbix-file you can start your analysis right away. Have fun!

Changing Parameters

If you want to change the initial parameters set for your SQL Server and SQL Database follow these steps:

  1. Select Edit Queries on the Home tab under External data.

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  2. The Power Query Editor opens. To change the server name, select Servername in the parameters on the left bar and enter your server name under Current Value.

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  3. To change the name of the database, select Database in the parameters on the left bar and enter your database name under Current Value.

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  4. To complete and apply the changes, select Close & Apply on the Home tab under Close.

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Update Data Set

If you want to update the complete data set, select Refresh on the Home tab under External data.

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Your complete data will be included into the report again!

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Update Tables

If you want to update a single table, right-click on it in the Fields pane on the right side, right-click on the specific table and select Refresh data.

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Only the data of the selected table will be newly imported into the report.