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Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Business Central forum / how to direct access S...
Business Central forum

how to direct access SQL database in business central cloud to create BI reports / suggestions for alternate options

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Posted on by sonikakapil

Hey all, 

I have a customer working with Business Central ( Cloud ) and they would like to create BI reports( using tools such as bother Power B1, Tableau etc )  by accessing the SQL database from Business Central. What are the options ?

Thanks,

Sonika

PS: I am fairly new to Business central cloud

Categories:
Reports and Business Intelligence
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  • Suggested answer
    Steve Brooks Profile Picture
    Steve Brooks 240 on at
    RE: how to direct access SQL database in business central cloud to create BI reports / suggestions for alternate options

    Hi Sonika,

    There's no way to get direct access to SQL from BC cloud. You would need to use the native connector to Business Central that's built into Power BI. I'm not sure if there's a similar connector for Tableau. Alternatively you could consider the Web Services page in Business Central or the API.

    Hope that helps?

    Steve

  • sonikakapil Profile Picture
    sonikakapil on at
    RE: how to direct access SQL database in business central cloud to create BI reports / suggestions for alternate options

    Hi Steve,

    Thank you for your quick reply :)

    Is the below the connector for Power BI ?

    docs.microsoft.com/.../across-how-use-financials-data-source-powerbi

    Also, what advise can I give to the customer to get data out of business central to tableau ?

    Sonika

  • Verified answer
    Steve Brooks Profile Picture
    Steve Brooks 240 on at
    RE: how to direct access SQL database in business central cloud to create BI reports / suggestions for alternate options

    Yes that's the right link for the connector to Power BI from Business Central.

    For Tableau, I suggest you reach out to a Tableau partner who'll be able to advise further. There may be some way to get the data out, possibly using OData, but I couldn't confirm either way.

    Power BI may be easier to connect to Business Central given that it's part of the Microsoft stack, so if it'll meet your requirements, probably easier to go with that.

  • Steven Renders Profile Picture
    Steven Renders 5,668 Moderator on at
    RE: how to direct access SQL database in business central cloud to create BI reports / suggestions for alternate options

    Instead of the Power BI BC connector I recommend to use ODATA webservices. Power BI can use them, and also many other products, like Tableau. Also they allow to connect to a sandox, and the PBI BC connect always connects to a live tenant.

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