Advanced PowerBI & Data Model and Best Practice Review
Budget: $30 – $250 AUD
We require an experienced Power BI expert to conduct a thorough review of our Power BI report. The goal of this project is to ensure our reports are performant, secure, accurate, maintainable, and adhere to best practices in data modeling and transformation.
This project involves a detailed analysis across several key areas, and the successful freelancer will provide a structured report with findings, evidence, questions, and actionable recommendations.
Scope of Work:
The review will cover the following areas:
Data Source and Connection Review:
Analyze the Power BI report's connection to Azure SQL Server, including connection methods (native SQL, other), data source settings, query modes (DirectQuery vs. Import), gateway configuration (if applicable), and Azure SQL Server firewall rules and access policies. Special attention will be paid to the initial connection method used.
Power Query (M Code) and Transformation Review:
Analyze the M code used for data transformation, cleaning, and shaping. Assess the efficiency and maintainability of the transformations, looking for unnecessary steps, hardcoded values, and potential performance bottlenecks.
Data Modeling (Fact and Dimensions) Review:
Assess the data model for star schema design, proper identification of fact and dimension tables, efficient relationships (including identifying and justifying any non-star schema designs like snowflake schemas), and the use of surrogate and natural keys, as well as handling of many-to-many relationships.
Date Tables and Time Intelligence Review:
Evaluate the use of dedicated date tables for time intelligence calculations. Assess the accuracy, completeness (ensuring sufficient date ranges and necessary date-related columns), and proper configuration (marked as a date table) of the date table.
DAX and Query Performance Review:
Analyze the DAX measures and calculated columns for performance, accuracy, and efficiency. Review the underlying SQL queries generated by Power BI using tools like Performance Analyzer and SQL Server Profiler/Azure SQL Query Performance Insight.
Report Design, Usability, Security, and Access Control Review:
Deliverables:
What has been done well: Highlighting existing best practices.
What can be done better: Identifying areas for improvement with specific evidence.
What is not being done: Pointing out missing best practices.
Severity: A clear indication of the impact of each finding (High, Medium, Low).
Recommendation: Actionable steps to address the identified issues.
Required Skills:
Expert knowledge of Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service.
Deep understanding of Azure SQL Server and database connectivity.
Proficiency in Power Query (M code) and DAX.
Solid understanding of data modeling principles (star schema, dimensional modeling).
Experience with performance tuning of Power BI reports and SQL queries.
Knowledge of Power BI security best practices and access control.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong written communication skills and the ability to present findings clearly and concisely.
To be considered for this project, please provide:
A brief overview of your experience with Power BI and Azure SQL Server, specifically in performance optimization and best practices.
Examples of similar projects you have completed.
Your proposed approach to conducting this review.
Your estimated timeframe and cost for completing this project.
We look forward to receiving your proposals.
This project involves a detailed analysis across several key areas, and the successful freelancer will provide a structured report with findings, evidence, questions, and actionable recommendations.
Scope of Work:
The review will cover the following areas:
Data Source and Connection Review:
Analyze the Power BI report's connection to Azure SQL Server, including connection methods (native SQL, other), data source settings, query modes (DirectQuery vs. Import), gateway configuration (if applicable), and Azure SQL Server firewall rules and access policies. Special attention will be paid to the initial connection method used.
Power Query (M Code) and Transformation Review:
Analyze the M code used for data transformation, cleaning, and shaping. Assess the efficiency and maintainability of the transformations, looking for unnecessary steps, hardcoded values, and potential performance bottlenecks.
Data Modeling (Fact and Dimensions) Review:
Assess the data model for star schema design, proper identification of fact and dimension tables, efficient relationships (including identifying and justifying any non-star schema designs like snowflake schemas), and the use of surrogate and natural keys, as well as handling of many-to-many relationships.
Date Tables and Time Intelligence Review:
Evaluate the use of dedicated date tables for time intelligence calculations. Assess the accuracy, completeness (ensuring sufficient date ranges and necessary date-related columns), and proper configuration (marked as a date table) of the date table.
DAX and Query Performance Review:
Analyze the DAX measures and calculated columns for performance, accuracy, and efficiency. Review the underlying SQL queries generated by Power BI using tools like Performance Analyzer and SQL Server Profiler/Azure SQL Query Performance Insight.
Report Design, Usability, Security, and Access Control Review:
Deliverables:
What has been done well: Highlighting existing best practices.
What can be done better: Identifying areas for improvement with specific evidence.
What is not being done: Pointing out missing best practices.
Severity: A clear indication of the impact of each finding (High, Medium, Low).
Recommendation: Actionable steps to address the identified issues.
Required Skills:
Expert knowledge of Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service.
Deep understanding of Azure SQL Server and database connectivity.
Proficiency in Power Query (M code) and DAX.
Solid understanding of data modeling principles (star schema, dimensional modeling).
Experience with performance tuning of Power BI reports and SQL queries.
Knowledge of Power BI security best practices and access control.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong written communication skills and the ability to present findings clearly and concisely.
To be considered for this project, please provide:
A brief overview of your experience with Power BI and Azure SQL Server, specifically in performance optimization and best practices.
Examples of similar projects you have completed.
Your proposed approach to conducting this review.
Your estimated timeframe and cost for completing this project.
We look forward to receiving your proposals.