...

Frequently Asked Questions

BI4Dynamics Main FAQ

  • Why should we focus more on modeling than on individual Power BI reports?

    Modeling provides a foundation for combining dimensions and measures dynamically, unlocking deeper insights compared to static, report-focused approaches. 

  • What are the limitations of Power BI for Business Intelligence?

    Power BI is an excellent tool for small-scale projects but often struggles with complex transformations and large datasets, requiring additional solutions for scalability. 

  • Can BI4Dynamics handle large datasets effectively?

    Yes, it processes terabytes of data efficiently using advanced SQL Server features, including indexing and partitioning, ensuring seamless performance. 

  • What makes BI4Dynamics user-friendly for Business Intelligence?

    Its no-code/low-code interface, combined with metadata-driven automation, simplifies model creation and reduces the need for technical expertise. 

  • What does the BI4Dynamics implementation process involve?

    The BI4Dynamics implementation process is divided into several key steps:

    1. Prerequisites: Ensure system requirements are met, including hardware and software specifications.

    2. Installation and Configuration: We open a license and schedule a 2-hour session with your IT and our implementation team to assist with the installation on your server. We only ask for RDC to fine-tune the installation.

    3. Analytical Layer Deployment: Choose from three options – On-Premises Analysis Services, Azure Analysis Services, or Power BI Premium, based on your needs and infrastructure.

    4. Power BI & Excel Reports: Connect your Power BI and Excel dashboards to the BI4Dynamics Data Warehouse. Over 150 pre-defined Power BI dashboards are included.

    5. Customizations (Optional): Address any unique analytical needs you may have, either through our Development Wizard or by outsourcing to our skilled team.

    6. Workshop: An 2 hours orientation workshop for business users is conducted to provide in-depth information and examples.

    7. Support: Our implementation and development team can answer any questions and guide you through best practices.

    This structured approach is also applicable to the Free Trial. It ensures a smooth and efficient implementation, allowing your organization to quickly benefit from the powerful analytics capabilities of BI4Dynamics.

  • What is the granularity level of reports?

    You can drill down to the document level without the need for aggregation. 

  • How can I integrate external data sources?

    You can integrate external data sources using:

    1. Corporate BI model – Power Query-based BI4Dynamics ETL Power BI Datamart: Adding any external database using Power Query-based BI4Dynamics ETL and Power BI Datamart.

    2. Department Power BI Report – Bulid a composite model using Power BI Premium or Azure Analysis Service: Extending BI4Dynamics Corporate Tabular Model by adding any source supported by Power BI Desktop.

  • Can BI4Dynamics handle data from multiple companies and different currencies?

    Absolutely. BI4Dynamics allows you to add multiple companies into a single Data Warehouse. You can also gain access to unlimited global dimensions across companies; in addition to supporting local and corporate currencies. 

  • How can I set up and customize my BI solution? Is it hard to do?

    You can do that easily by using the BI4Dynamics Wizard to build and customize your BI Solution in five steps. This means you’ll be utilizing the same tool as our developers use. Additionally, if required, you can integrate automatically generated code with custom SQL code 

  • Will I face any issues with Dynamics upgrades when integrating various data sources?

    No, BI4Dynamics addresses data migration problems that can be caused by Dynamics upgrades by directly joining new and archived databases in the BI4Dynamics Data Warehouse. 

  • Can I integrate on-premise Dynamics (legacy) with cloud D365?

    Yes, you can join any data source ranging from NAV 2009 to the latest D365 Business Central, and from AX R3 to D365 F&O. 

  • Do I need to create custom reports or model data in Power BI with BI4Dynamics?

    No, BI4Dynamics eliminates the need for developing custom reports in Dynamics or modeling in Power BI. You can automatically generate a data warehouse, analytical model, and project documentation without writing a single line of code.