CLM Part 6 - Support & Monitor Content - Ep.355 - Power BI tips

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of the Power BI Tips podcast! In today's episode, hosted by Tommy, Seth, and Mike, we delve into Part 6 of our Content Life Cycle Management (CLM) series – focusing on the crucial aspects of supporting and monitoring Power BI content.

Microsoft Event Announcement

Before we jump into our main topic, let's touch on some exciting news. Microsoft has announced their second annual Fabric and AI hackathon, inviting developers, admins, and all professionals to participate in this challenge aimed at showcasing skills and learning new capabilities. Registration opened recently, and participants have until September 24th to submit their projects, with significant prizes available for the winners.

Main Topic: Supporting and Monitoring Power BI Content

This episode centers on the importance of support and monitoring within the context of Power BI, particularly how it fits into the broader content life cycle management.

Understanding the Two User Types

When it comes to establishing a support model for Power BI, there are primarily two types of users we need to consider:

1. Content Consumers: These are users who interact with Power BI reports and dashboards, requiring guidance on how to best use these resources. Their support involves ensuring they understand how to access, filter, and drill down into the visualizations.
2. Content Creators: This includes developers and business users who build reports and models. Supporting these content creators involves providing training on best practices and governance for developing effective reports.

The Balance between Consumer and Creator Support

The challenge many organizations face is determining where to focus their initial efforts. Should the emphasis be on educating consumers about using the reports effectively, or should it lean more towards equipping content creators with the skills necessary to build high-quality reports?

Some argue that focusing on consumer support first is paramount, as ensuring consumers can use the reports effectively will drive future demand for report creation. Others contend that without adequately supporting content creators, organizations may end up with poorly designed reports that confuse users and ultimately lead to lost interest in the Power BI offerings.

Both approaches require collaboration and strategic planning, emphasizing the need for institutions to identify their unique organizational structures and data cultures.

Monitoring Metrics and KPIs

To effectively monitor and support content, organizations must track various metrics. Some key performance indicators (KPIs) include:

• Report Views: Understanding how many users are accessing reports.
• Export Activities: Tracking how often users export to Excel might indicate where reports are lacking.
• Data Set Usage: Evaluating how many reports exist per data set helps assess the reusability and efficiency of content.
• Certified vs. Non-Certified Content: Insight into the quality of reports being consumed and their certification status informs data governance and trust.

Monitoring these metrics helps organizations identify potential issues, optimize their reporting strategies, and ensure that both content consumers and creators are supported effectively.

Conclusion

In this episode, we highlight the necessity of establishing a robust support and monitoring system for Power BI content. As organizations continue to leverage Power BI for data-driven decision-making, understanding the nuances of user support, along with cultivating a culture of monitoring and feedback, will be essential for success.

Keywords

Content Life Cycle Management, Power BI, Monitoring, Support, Consumer, Creator, KPIs, Audit Log, Reporting, Data Culture, Governance

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between consumer support and creator support in Power BI?
A: Consumer support focuses on helping users understand how to effectively use the reports and dashboards, while creator support emphasizes training and resources for individuals who build reports and data models.

Q: Why is monitoring important in Power BI?
A: Monitoring is essential for assessing the performance and usage of reports, identifying potential issues, and ensuring that both consumers and creators have the necessary support.

Q: How can organizations improve user adoption of Power BI content?
A: By prioritizing consumer support, providing clear training materials, and making reports user-friendly, organizations can increase user adoption and satisfaction.

Q: What KPIs should organizations track for effective Power BI monitoring?
A: Key KPIs include report views, export activities, data set usage ratios, and the mix of certified versus non-certified content.