Tabular Models, Multiple Data Sources and Unknown Members
Self-service data modeling tools like Power BI Desktop, Power Pivot and SSAS Tabular promote the advantage of using data from multiple data sources. I’m including SSAS Tabular on the “self-service” list because it is derived from Power Pivot and often used for “quicker” IT-managed BI projects. The alleged advantage of sourcing data directly from within the modeling tool might seem to suggest that a formal ETL process and dimensional modeling exercise is unnecessary. The more experience I gain with these newer tools in business settings has me ever thinking about using best practices and the right approach for scaling BI solutions of all sizes.