Description
Course Title: Power BI from Rookie to Rock Star
Length:
From 1 to 9 days (Lecture + Labs): depends on the modules you enrol.
Delivery method:
In-Person or Online: Check the schedule of upcoming courses.
Type of training:
Public or private (contact us for more details)
The well-known worldwide training in Power BI field, and the most comprehensive Power BI training on the planet from one to nine days of training delivered by the well-known experts and MVPs, authors of books, and speakers of many conferences themselves. In this training course, you will learn Power BI from beginner to advance. You will learn how to use Power BI for simple data analysis situations as well as complex business intelligence scenarios. You will learn about Power BI Components such as Power Query (Get Data and Transform), Modelling and DAX, Visualization, Power BI Desktop as the main tool, Power BI Service, Gateway configuration, and architecture. You will learn all the concepts with live demos. Expect learning best practices with great scenarios in this course. This course is designed in separate modules based on the type of audience. If you are a data analyst, data wrangler, data modeler, or data architect, or even a data scientist, this course has many things to teach you all.
This course is delivered to thousands of people all around the world, check out only a few of the recommendations at the bottom of this page, and check some of our clients.
Instructor: Reza Rad
Our trainer is the world well-known name in the Microsoft BI field. Reza Rad is Microsoft Regional Director, a speaker in world’s best and biggest Microsoft Data Platform, BI and Power BI conferences such as Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Business Applications Summit, Microsoft Data Insight Summit, PASS Summits, PASS Rallys, SQLBits, TechEds, and so on. He is the author of books on this topic, and he has more than 15 years’ experience in the Microsoft BI technologies. Reza is the founder of RADACAD and a consultant for more than decades. He is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer for years. He is Microsoft Data Platform MVP (Most Valuable Professional) focused on BI and Data Analysis; Microsoft has awarded him MVP because of his dedication and expertise in Microsoft BI technologies from 2011 till now (more than eight years). He is the author of Power BI book from Rookie to Rock Star.
Power BI from Rookie to Rock Star
This is the most comprehensive course for Power BI on the planet which split in modules. You can enroll in any of these modules separately or take the whole course. Modules designed independently, which means each module can be taken regardless of the order of modules. Here are a list and detailed agenda of each module:
- Module 1: Power BI for Data Analysts (2 days)
- Module 2: Power BI for Data Wrangler and Transformer (2 days)
- Module 3: Power BI for Data Modeler (2 days)
- Module 4: Power BI for Architects (1 day)
- Module 5: Power BI for Data Scientists (2 days)
Module 3: Power BI for Data Modeler (Data Modelling and DAX) – 2 days course
This training is designed for data modeler, who have the data prepared to be modeled for analysis. Usually, people who attend this training needs to attend module 2 beforehand to learn about the step before the modeling. In this training, you will learn detailed modeling practices of Power BI, and DAX unleashed.
In this two days training, you will learn DAX from zero to hero. You will learn how to design the best model in Power BI with relationships, considering formatting and data types. You will learn about DAX which is the data modeling expression language in Power BI (and SSAS Tabular, and Power Pivot). You will learn from Simple DAX calculations to complex expressions and calculations for solving real-world challenges of a BI solution.
The training continues with more focus on DAX; we will talk about the evaluation context in DAX, which defines the mindset and the way of thinking when you are writing DAX expressions. You will learn about DAX function categories such as Aggregation functions, Iterators, Filter functions, parent-child functions, time intelligence functions, functions dealing with relationships, etc. You will learn all scenarios through hands-on examples of real-world data.
At the end of this training, you will be able to design the proper data model in Power BI, understand all relationship requirements and implement the right relationship, write complex DAX expressions for your analytics need, and put them all together to build the best model for your data analysis solution using Power BI.
The training includes but not limited to topics below:
3.1: Power BI Modelling 101
Power BI Modelling engine is based on the same engine used in Excel Power Pivot, and SQL Server Analysis Services Tabular. Power BI uses the in-memory engine, named xVelocity. The in-memory engine of Power BI makes the analysis super-fast. Everything will respond very fast in this model. In this section, you will learn about the basics of the modeling engine and some of the differences of that with SSAS and Power Pivot.
- Basics of Modelling in Power BI
- The step before this: Data Preparation
- Relationships in Power BI; Filter propagation
- Direction of Relationship
- Be Careful of both directional relationship
- Active or In-active relationships
- Relationship based on multiple Columns
- Role Playing Dimension
- Formatting
- Hide/Unhide Columns
- Hierarchy Definition in Power BI
- Sort by Column
3.2: Introduction to DAX
DAX is an abbreviated name for Data Analysis eXpression language. This is the expression language in Power BI for analytics. DAX is a dynamic expression language which will consider the interaction of the user at the time of visualization. Using DAX, you can do calculations such as year to date, year over year comparison, etc. Most of the data modeling training is about DAX. In this section, you will learn the basics of DAX.
- Syntax of DAX
- Naming in DAX
- Operators and Operands
- Logical Operations
- Data Types in Power BI Model
- Overview of Functions in DAX
- Variables
- DAX or M? When to use Which?
3.3: Calculations in Power BI
There are three types of calculations in Power BI. Calculated Column, Measure, and Calculated Table. You can write DAX expression in all these three types of objects. This section will teach you what the main difference between the calculated column, measure, and the calculated table is, and what are scenarios of using them.
- Calculated Column; Row by Row
- Measure; Single Output
- Calculated Table; A derived table
- Calculated Column? Maybe a good candidate for Power Query transformation
- Measures are Dynamic
3.4: Aggregation and Iterator Functions
The first set of important functions in DAX are aggregation functions. There is a set of normal aggregation functions such as SUM, MIN, MAX, and there is another set called iterators. The way of working with iterators is different. Iterators get an input table and an expression. Example of iterator function is SUMX. In this section, you will learn the difference between SUM and SUMX and scenarios of using those two.
- Aggregation Functions
- Implicit Measures vs. Explicit Measures
- Sum of an Expression: SumX
- Iterator Functions
- Difference between SUM and SUMX
3.5: Filter Functions
Filter functions are probably the most important functions in DAX. You can refer to a column in DAX (like Excel), but you cannot refer to rows. If you want to refer to rows in an expression, you must filter it, and that is why Filter functions are important. There are several filter functions, and the behavior of all of them are unique. In this section, we will talk about some of these functions through real-world examples.
- ALL
- Filter Functions to be used inside other functions
- Examples of using ALL function
- ALL and SUMX; Percentage Calculation
- AllExcept
- Filter Function: Custom Filter
- Values/Distinct; getting a unique list of values
3.6: Evaluation Contexts and Conditional Sum
Understanding Evaluation contexts are one of the most critical learnings in DAX. The evaluation context refers to the way that filters impact the calculation’s result in DAX. There are two types of contexts; Row context, and filter context. In this section, you will learn about the difference of all these, and you will learn scenarios that you need to be careful when the context changes.
- Row Context
- Filter Context
- Exception for Row Context
- Exception for Filter Context
- Calculate Function
- Conditional Sum; Three ways of Implementing; pros and Cons
- Variables in DAX and using them for debugging
3.7: Relationship Functions
Some of the functions in DAX are going through directions of relationship and apply some filtering based on that, like RELATED() for example. Some other functions change the behavior of relationship such as UseRelationship() function. In this section, you will learn about relationship functions in DAX and scenarios of using them.
- Related: Many to one
- RelatedTable: Sub table that can be used as a filter
- CrossFilter: Changing Direction of relationship
- UseRelationship: using an inactive relationship
- TreatAS function
3.8: Time Intelligence Functions
Calculations based on time and date are critical for many businesses such as finance. You can use DAX to do calculations such as year to date, fiscal year to date, year over year comparison, and rolling 12 months average. In this section, you will learn some basic time intelligence functions such as TotalYTD to a calculated year to date. You will also learn about scenarios when you do not have the built-in function for your use case and will learn how to write the combination of function usages in DAX to achieve the solution.
- Choosing the Date Table: Built-in or Customized Date Table
- Mark as Date Table
- Year to Date, Quarter to Date
- Fiscal Year to Date
- Same Period Last Year
- Year over Year Comparison
- ParallelPeriod vs SamePeriodLastYear vs DateAdd
- Running Total
- Rolling 12 Month Sales
- Average 12 Month Sales
- Rolling 6 Months
- Flexible time banding
- Time zone consideration in Power BI
3.9: Dynamic DAX: Parameters
DAX calculation is dynamic based on the user interaction in a Power BI report page. However, you can take a step further, and make the expression of DAX even more dynamic. The user can change a value which is defined statically in your DAX expression using a parameter. Parameters will make your DAX expressions even more dynamic. In this section, you will learn about parameters, and their usages, and the scenario of using a parameter table to select from multiple measures dynamically.
- Numeric Parameter Definition through GUI
- GenerateSeries DAX function
- SelectedValue DAX function
- Sample Scenario: Customer Retention with Dax and Power BI
- Other Types of Parameters? Parameter Table
- SWITCH
- Sample Scenario: Selection of Measures in a table dynamically
3.10: Parent-Child Functions
DAX can navigate through a hierarchy with an unknown number of levels. Example of such a hierarchy is a chart of accounts or organizational hierarchy. In this section, you will learn about parent-child functions which can be used for organization hierarchy. You will learn different scenarios of using these functions in real-world examples.
- Organizational Hierarchy or Chart of Accounts: unknown levels
- Path function
- PathLength: getting the number of levels
- PathItem: finding a specific level
- PathItemReverse
- PathContains: Security Pattern
- LookupValue: To get the other related fields
3.11: Best Practices Tips and Tricks
Performance considerations when doing the modeling in Power BI is the last but not least important part of this course. You will learn about tips and tricks that keep your model performing well even with a huge number of data rows. In this section, you will also learn about other tips that make the maintenance of your model easier, such as using a tool like Power BI Helper.
- Modelling Best Practices
- Understanding when to switch between Power Query and DAX
- Considerations for very large tables
- A tool that helps: Power BI Helper
Why Power BI Training?
Power BI is the newest Microsoft BI tool for data mash up, build modeling, and visualize it effectively. It supports mobile devices, it supports self-service, and along with its great functionalities, it doesn’t require heavy development or production system.
Common Myths about Power BI
There are some myths about Power BI that sometimes prevents people and organization to move towards using this product. We’ve listed some of the myths in following. Please note that these are Myths, and they are not the right assumptions.
Myth 1: Power BI is a self-service Excel tool, and isn’t suitable for Enterprise Solutions.
There are many scenarios that Power BI has been used in enterprise solutions. Power BI features for data mash up (with the very powerful data transformation component: Power Query), and data modelling based on xVelocity in-memory engine (Power Pivot), and great data visualization components such as Power View and Power Map, along with mobility support of this product, are rarely available in other products. We have designed, implemented and have seemed many BI enterprise solutions based on Power BI within very large organizations.
Myth 2: Power BI is easy to use, and doesn’t require a training course.
Power BI is an easy to use tool, but for basic functions. Every BI application requires calculated measure, which needs to be written in DAX. Every BI application requires advanced data transformations which need to be handled with Power Query M scripting language. Designing and implementing solutions with Best Practices is always a requirement for reliable BI applications. We designed our Power BI training in a way that delivers advanced content for all components of Power BI, and fortify your team’s knowledge on the product, so they can solve any complex challenge with this tool.
Myth 3: Power BI is only for Microsoft based environments and platforms.
Power Query is the core of data extraction in Power BI. Power Query supports a wide range of data sources. Not only SQL Server, but also Oracle, MySQL, web service result set, DB2 and many other data source are supported. There is also the possibility to connect to many systems such as Salesforce. The Visualization component of Power BI is also HTML5 supported and is available for all mobile devices. Power BI app in AppStore, and Google PlayStore, as well as Microsoft AppStore, enables dashboards and data visualizations to be available in all environments.
Myth 4: Power BI is not a powerful and fully functional BI tool, and cannot be compared with other tools in the market.
In fact, the reverse is true. Power BI is such powerful that can be the replacement of many other expensive BI tools in the market. We’ve been through scenarios of successful Power BI solutions that have been a replacement of Cognos, IBM products, Oracle WB, SAP BO, and so on. Power BI has 5 powerful components that cover main aspects of BI and data analysis system.
In addition, there is always the possibility to use this as a hybrid approach and save lots of time and money along with great features that are only available in this product.
In-Person Training;
Our Power BI in-person training will be held in high-quality venues with the recommendation for hotel bookings for attendees. There will be special group rating fee as well as early bird and past attendees discount. for the schedule of our in-person training follow this link:
Online Training;
We run online training with GoToWebinar and GoToTraining applications. These applications provide a highly reliable communication channel between instructor and attendees. For the schedule of our online training follow this link:
Use the letter written for your boss to convince him/her to pay for your Power BI Training course
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What others say about the training and trainer
Daniel R Tuma, Senior Systems Analyst at Cleveland Metro Schools, Ohio, USA
I spent probably about two weeks looking for a good Microsoft Power BI class that would cover all of the aspects of the program. I wanted to walk away from the class being able to apply what I learned immediately. Most training companies that I looked into were in a state of flux with Power BI mostly due to the transitions that Power BI itself was going through. Then I stumbled on the RADACAD web site. Reza Rad touted a course that he taught named “Power BI, From Rookie to Rock star.” If the class was indeed an A to Z course, then it was exactly what I was looking for. The class outline seemed to include every topic on my checkoff list plus much more. I decided to give Reza a try.
Reza completely lived up to his hype. He took us through a natural progression of the software, using example after example of how to complete a task. We went through real world scenarios, a bare minimum of two scenarios for each minor topic. I was completely impressed with his Power BI knowledge, understanding and abilities. Any question we came to Reza with was answered completely and with even more examples.
After the class, my goal of immediately applying what I learned was attained. Right away I was able to successfully pull and massage data, create useful reports and post them to dashboards.
I would recommend Radacad Power BI Training without hesitation.
Jeffrey Weir; Independent Consultant, Wellington, New Zealand
I learned a lot from this course: it gave a great overview of what’s possible both right from the UI, and what more awaits if you lift the hood and pimp the engine. It’s incredible to see just how much PowerBI and PowerQuery radically simplify what I would otherwise have to do with many, many lines of complicated VBA code. And Reza is a masterful user of this tool.
Note that Reza covers a lot of ground in this course, and it is pretty fast paced. While you can take a laptop and follow along as Reza takes PowerBI/Powerquery through its paces, for the one-day course my recommendation would be to keep that laptop closed, and simply sit back and watch Reza in action, so you can fully concentrate on just how simple this tool is to use in the right hands as well as think about how you might use the tool to your own ends and ask questions along those lines. You can always purchase the video course (if it’s not already included in your course) and step through the material again at your own pace.
Rob Wilby; Independent Consultant, UK
I must say your “Power BI Essentials” course has been the most comprehensive Power BI course I have found to date and seeing how you work with data especially the little tricks naturally introduced at just the right moments has made this course a pleasure to take.
Martin Catherall – Data Platform MVP, PASS Regional Mentor
I attended Reza’s Power BI pre-con “From Rookie to Rock star” at SQL Saturday Brisbane in May 2016. I was a complete Power BI novice, having only previously accomplished a few very basic things with Power BI. Reza took the group through all the components that make up environment. He explained how they had evolved and took the group through walk-throughs of each one. Reza was great an answering questions from the audience at the event and going into extra detail if necessary. All-in all, I would say that I’m now a very confident Power BI user after attending Reza’s pre-con.
Dan Cheshire, Senior Project Manager Air New Zealand
Reza does not just know Power BI like the back of his hand, he is the most commercially aware BI person I know. He understands that companies work in the real world and that data isn’t always clean and needs manipulation for it to work and be useful. When Reza worked on our project, nothing phased or flustered him, he always came up with solutions for problems that seemed to me as insurmountable. Can’t recommend him enough, invest in Reza as he will not only save you a whole heap of time, but he comes up with long lasting and very powerful Power BI solutions for your business.
Sonia Buckley, Data Analyst at Zoom2u, Sydney, Australia
We have started to use Microsoft Power BI and whilst Microsoft tutorials are helpful, if you are not used to DAX then it is very difficult to get your head around and there is little other resources that don’t cost an arm and a leg. I had a call with Reza who made my life so much easier in just under an hour! Any time spent speaking to Reza will be well worth it – I have saved hours of trying to get my head around our dashboards by getting some very useful tips and explanations on why things are done the DAX way! Not only that but he is very patient and straight forward. Highly recommended!
R. Kemp, Canada
The course was an excellent investment overall, it exceed my expectations. It was well paced and presented. The instructor, Reza Rad, was excellent and was able to answer all my questions and explain complex idea in a manner that was easy to understand and follow. I had been using Power BI Desktop for a number of months prior to taking this course, but wish I had attended it sooner! The course structure of 1 day of overall Power BI and followed by 4 days of more intensive instruction on the various parts of Power BI allowed for a basic understanding of the whole, and then more comprehensive learning. The live-on-line experience worked well technically and allowed for questions and problem-solving with the instructor. I learned a lot about Power BI and this course gave me a great foundation for using Power BI to clean, model, design, and share reports using a variety of visualizations that will provide business intelligence to my company. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn Power BI either as a starting point or even after you have used the tool to deepen your understanding and build your skill-set.
Who Attended RADACAD Training Courses
Cancellation:
Cancellation up to 5 weeks before the event: full refund minus administration fee ($50) and credit-card processing fees (if applicable).
Cancellation from 5 weeks to 2 weeks before the event: 50% cancellation charge, 50% refund
Cancellation from 2 weeks before the event: 100% cancellation charge, 0% refunded.
Transfer:
Transfer fee to another event date* (up to 2 weeks before the event): 25% of the standard price of the event to transfer
Transfer fee to another event date* (from 2 weeks to 1 day before the event): 40% of the standard price of the event to transfer
Transfer fee at the day of event*: 60% of the standard price of the event to transfer
*transfer can be done only once, and it can be only transferred to another date not later than 6 months from the original event.
No Show:
No fee will be refunded for no show.
If you cannot find a public course scheduled on this page, contact us for a private onsite or remote instructor-led session, or check out our video training for self-paced learning.
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