The standard matrix visual in Power BI allows multiple dimension tables to be linked to a fact table, presenting complex datasets in a clear and structured way. It enables simultaneous analysis across different dimensions by displaying fact table data that matches the filter conditions of the dimension tables. This allows for detailed data exploration and structured insights.
To use the standard matrix visual effectively, correct modeling of the relationships between dimension and fact tables is essential. Once these relationships are properly established, the visual can display aggregations of key figures such as totals, averages, minimums, or maximums across different hierarchy levels. These can be highlighted using background colors or font formatting.
Additionally, the standard matrix visual offers features like drill-down and drill-up, allowing users to navigate step-by-step through different hierarchy levels—for example, from year to month and back to an aggregated overview.
The cBI Focus Planner closely follows the structure and user interface of the standard matrix visual but extends it with functional enhancements and specific features for planning use cases.
One key difference lies in the requirements for the underlying data model: cBI Focus Planner requires a star schema in which all dimension tables are clearly linked to the fact table (see here).
Calculations and cell-level highlights work similarly to the standard matrix visual. However, instead of drill functionality, interactive filtering mechanisms are used.
A major functional difference compared to the standard matrix visual is the integrated write-back capability. It allows authorized users to edit data directly within the visual. These changes are then automatically and securely written back to the underlying SQL database.
It is important to note that changes to individual cells may affect other values.
