Introduction
This blog will provide a detailed
guide on how to import data from SQL database files into Power BI, the
industry-leading business intelligence tool developed by Microsoft. SQL
databases are extensively utilized for data storage and management, and the
ability to import data from these files into Power BI empowers users to take
advantage of the platform's advanced data visualization and analysis
capabilities. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this blog,
you will gain the knowledge and skills required to extract valuable insights
from your data using Power BI.
· This blog will focus on the process of importing data from different sources, such as SQL Server.
How To Import Data Sets from SSMS Database ?
Step 1: Launch
Power BI Desktop: Begin by launching Power BI Desktop, the Windows application
designed for creating reports and visualizations.
Step 2: Click on
"Get Data": On the Home tab of Power BI Desktop, locate and click on
the "Get Data" button. A drop-down menu will appear with various data
source options.
Step 3: Select "SQL Server" as the
Data Source: In the "Get Data" menu, scroll down or search for the
"SQL Server" option and click on it. This will open the SQL Server
connection window.
Step 4: Specify
Server Details: In the SQL Server connection window, enter the necessary
details to connect to your SQL database file. Provide the server name, database
name, and authentication method (Windows or database credentials).
·
Choose the server name from the
Connect to Server pop-up in SSMS.
(Note: In
this scenario, we will be importing a database from the local system using SSMS
(SQL Server Management Studio))
- Insert the server name into the SQL Server database pop-up window within Power BI.
Step 5: Choose
Import: In the SQL Server connection window, you have the option to choose
importing the data. Importing the data brings a copy of the data into Power BI,
while DirectQuery establishes a live connection to the SQL database file.
Select the appropriate option based on your requirements.
Step 6: Advanced
Options (Optional): If needed, you can click on the "Advanced
options" button to further customize the connection settings, including
selecting specific tables or views to import, configuring SQL statement
filters, and defining privacy levels(refer blog no.4).
Step 7: Connect and
Load Data: Once you have provided all the necessary information and configured
the connection settings, click on the "Connect" button to establish
the connection to the SQL database file. Power BI will retrieve the metadata
and display a preview of the available tables or views. Select the desired
tables or views and click on the "Load" button to load the data into
Power BI.
Step 8: Data
Transformation (Optional (refer blog no.4)): If you need to perform any data
transformation or cleaning before importing the data into Power BI, you can
utilize the Power Query Editor. Click on the "Edit" button to launch
the Power Query Editor, where you can apply various transformations such as
filtering, grouping, adding calculated columns, and more.
Step 9: Data
Visualization: With the data from the SQL database file imported into Power BI,
you can now unleash the full potential of data visualization. Utilize Power
BI's intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create dynamic charts, graphs, maps,
and other visual elements to gain meaningful insights from your data.
Step 10: Refreshing Data: Power BI allows you to establish a connection between
the SQL database file and your Power BI report, enabling you to refresh the
data as needed. Any changes made to the database file will automatically
reflect in your Power BI report when you refresh the data.
Conclusion
Importing data from SQL database
files into Power BI provides a powerful platform for data analysis and
visualization. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can
seamlessly import your SQL database file into Power BI Desktop, perform data
transformations if required, and create insightful reports to unlock valuable
insights. With Power BI's extensive features, you can make data-driven
decisions and drive business success.
Remember, the process of importing
data from SQL database files in Power BI remains consistent, allowing you to
replicate the steps for importing