Semantic Model Modes
A Power BI semantic model is a structured representation of data that organizes and simplifies raw data for reporting and analysis. It includes elements like data connections, transformations, calculations, and relationships, serving as a single source of truth for reports across an organization.
Power BI semantic model modes refer to the different ways data can be connected and utilized within Power BI. The three main modes are Import, where data is loaded into memory for fast access; DirectQuery, which queries data in real-time without storing it; and Composite, which combines both Import and DirectQuery methods for flexibility.
The cBI Focus Planner currently supports both Import and DirectQuery modes. You can download demo reports below.
DirectQuery mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to the most common questions about the CBI Focus Planner, designed to streamline your planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
What is CBI Focus Planner?
CBI Focus Planner is a custom visual for Power BI that provides advanced matrix visualization and extends Power BI with planning capabilities by adding writeback functionalities.
What are the requirements for CBI Focus Planner?
You need an Azure SQL database (more to come!) with a data model following the star schema.
Where do I get CBI Focus Planner?
You can download CBI Focus Planner from the Microsoft AppSource.
Which data sources are supported for writeback?
Currently, focusing on Azure SQL Server. Many more to come!
Which authentication methods does CBI Focus Planner support?
CBI Focus Planner supports SQL Server Authentication. Windows Authentication is not supported.
The Power BI service can't connect to my Azure SQL Database. What is wrong?
You need to allow Azure services and resources to access your Azure SQL Server by configuring the firewall settings in the Azure Portal.
Alternatively, you can whitelist the IP addresses of our backend service and of the Power BI service in the firewall rules of the Azure SQL server. You can use our whitelisting bash script for that. Download it from the download section below.
Which browser does CBI Focus Planner support?
We have tested CBI Focus Planner in the Power BI service running in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Safari.
Can I format elements in the CBI Focus Planner?
Yes, you can format elements such as grid, font, cell background colors, and text colors. For more details download the user manual in the download section below.
Which planning methods does CBI Focus Planner support?
CBI Focus Planner supports:
- Bottom-up Calculation: This method dynamically updates node values by summing up the values of leaf nodes after each change.
- Top-down Calculation: This method allows for distributing values from top nodes to leaf nodes using different splashing methods including:
- Equally Weighted Distribution: Distributes values equally among nodes.
- Same Value Distribution: Assigns the same value to each node.
- Per Quota Distribution: Distributes values based on the ratio of a selected column.
