Analyze Data with Power BI Desktop

Kepion supports data analysis through Standard Analysis Services (SSAS) databases.  Once a Kepion application is deployed to the SSAS server, you can connect to it through 3rd party reporting tools, e.g. Power BI.  In this article, we will show you how to connect to an OLAP cube from Power BI Desktop.

Before You Start

Please verify the following in order to ensure a successful connection: 

• You have an account with access to the SSAS server (i.e. CORP\USER or user@corp.com).
• You know the name or IP address of the server.
• The SSAS server has the appropriate ports opened and available for access. 

You can connect your Power BI Desktop to the SSAS server either from within a trusted network or from an external network. The connection process differs for the two environments, so make sure you follow the procedure that applies to your case.

Installation Options

Option 1: Connect to SSAS Within Network

Option 2: Connect to SSAS Outside Network

Connect to SSAS Within Network

When you are connecting to the target SSAS database from within the corporate network and using the login credentials for your machine, you should follow this procedure.

Note: If your company has provided you with VPN access to its network, make sure to login to the VPN.

1. Open Power BI Desktop. 

2. Under the Home tab, select Get data > Analysis Services.

3. Complete the SQL Server Analysis Services database as follows:

• Server: Enter the name or IP address of the SSAS server you are trying to connect to. 
• Database: Enter the database name, or leave it empty. 
• Ensure Connect Live is checked.

4. Click OK. 

5. The Navigator window lists all the available databases accessible to you.  Expand the target database, select a cube or perspective, and click OK. 

Now you can start creating your Power BI report.

Connect to SSAS Outside Network

When connecting to SSAS using Power BI Desktop from outside the network or when you don't want to use your local account, follow this procedure.

1. Open the Command Prompt App and prepare the following command:

runas /netonly /user:DomainName\UserName “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\bin\PBIDesktop.exe”

• Replace DomainName\UserName with your domain account.
• Ensure that the Power BI Desktop executable is in the correct folder, C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\bin\PBIDesktop.exe

2. Type the updated command and press Enter.

3. Enter the password for your domain account when prompted and press Enter.

This will trigger Power BI Desktop to run under the indicated domain account (instead of your local account).

4. Once Power BI Desktop is launched, follow the steps in the previous section to connect to the target SSAS server.