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Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Microsoft Dynamics AX (Archived) / Tabular & Multidim...
Microsoft Dynamics AX (Archived)

Tabular & Multidimensional approach with Power BI

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Posted on by Mark88

Hi all,

I am trying to build some common Supply Chain KPIs and metrics using the default cubes in AX. I haven't used MDX much or really any of the cubes. I need to find which dimensions and measures to use to get different metrics like total sales, inventory value, sales order aging, etc.  I couldn't find much documentation on those. Before I got too involved with the cubes, I wanted to know if these can be easily captured using a tabular approach (connecting to the tables in SQL or creating an OData feed from the tables/views). Ultimately, I want to create the charts and metrics using Power View. Power Query was just updated to allow connections to SSAS cubes directly in Excel, and already has had support for SQL/OData.

Before I invest too much time in learning the cubes and MDX, I want to know anyone has advice or experience with a tabular approach and/or using Power BI to capture the data.

Thanks,

Mark

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I have the same question (0)
  • Girija Shankar Beuria Profile Picture
    Girija Shankar Beuria 690 on at

    Hi,

    Reference for Cubes in Dynamics AX product is described in detail here:

    technet.microsoft.com/.../hh781074.aspx

    As you have already figured out in power query supports both OLAP/Tabular data.

    The difference is if you use  Tabular you query the AX database directly and you jump security (all users will be able to access everything). If you use Odata (AIF Odata) or cubes at least you will be going through security for the same.

    Also in cubes, most of the data you want may be directly and in Tabular you might have to write complex queries to achieve the functionality.

    Hope this helps in understanding.

    - Girija

  • Suggested answer
    Clay Wesener Profile Picture
    Clay Wesener on at

    Hi Mark,

    I suppose the question would depend on the KPI/Measure you're trying to produce. Tabular through OData is an easy approach to get data out through, but depending on what you are calculating you should consider the performance implications - if your measures/KPIs are based on a huge data set - you may be better to let SSAS process the larger data set before moving it into PowerBI.

    I would suggest reviewing the cube reference material Girija posted earlier to see if the data you require is already available, and if not - review the data sets you would need to expose to PowerBI.

    Microsoft Dynamics AX integration with Power BI for Office 365 [AX 2012]

    technet.microsoft.com/.../dn768397.aspx

    I would also suggest having a look at the PowerBI Teams Blog, there is new functionality currently in Preview for Online connectivity to SSAS - which means PowerBI reports can be produced with a live connection to SSAS.

    blogs.msdn.com/.../powerbi

    While this functionality isn't generally available yet, it is worth keeping in mind while you plan your PowerBI strategy.

    Thanks,

    Clay.

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