Glossary
What is semantic model?
A semantic model, formerly called a dataset, is the data model behind a Power BI report: tables, relationships, measures and security rules. Several reports can use the same semantic model.
Semantic model explained
Until late 2023 Microsoft called this a dataset. The model defines which tables exist, how they are related, which calculations (measures) apply and which row-level security roles exist. A report is then mainly a view on that model.
A model can import the data, which makes it fast but means it has to be refreshed, or query the source live with DirectQuery. Microsoft Fabric also offers Direct Lake, which reads straight from OneLake. The choice affects speed, freshness and the load on the source.
The main benefit of a shared model is consistency. If ten reports use the same model, they all calculate revenue or margin with the same definition instead of ten variants.
Example
Acme Groothandel has one semantic model, "Sales", with orders, customers, products and date tables and measures for revenue, gross margin and order count. The board dashboard and the branch reports both use that model, so revenue is identical everywhere.
Semantic model in ENABLE
In ENABLE, embedded Power BI reports use the semantic model in the linked workspace, including its row-level security roles. Customer admins can also run DAX queries against the Power BI model in the SQL Explorer.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a semantic model and a dataset?
There is no difference: Microsoft renamed the dataset to semantic model in late 2023. Its role stayed the same: the data model behind Power BI reports.
Can several reports use one semantic model?
Yes, and it is recommended. Reports that share a model calculate with the same measures and therefore show the same figures.
What is the difference between import and DirectQuery?
With import, the data is loaded into the model, which is fast but requires refreshing. With DirectQuery, the model queries the source on every click, which is more current but can be slower and puts load on the source.
Further reading
- IntegrationPower BI embedded portal: share dashboards securelyPower BI reports embedded in your own portal, with access by role and RLS.Read more
- ResourcesRow-level security in Power BI explainedRow-level security (RLS) in Power BI is a security layer in the semantic model that determines which rows of data a user gets to see. Everyone opens the same report, but a regional manager only sees their own region and a customer only their own orders. You define RLS in roles with DAX filters: static with fixed values, or dynamic based on who is viewing.Read more
- ResourcesWhat is a data warehouse? Explained and comparedA data warehouse is a central database in which you bring together data from different source systems, such as your ERP, CRM and webshop, clean it up and organise it so that you can report on it and analyse it effectively. A source system is built to process transactions; a data warehouse is built for reading, comparing and keeping history. A data lake stores raw data in any format, and a data lakehouse combines the storage of a lake with the structure of a warehouse.Read more
- SolutionSingle source of truth: one version of the truthOne central source for your business data, so every department sees the same figures.Read more
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