1. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Data Models
Brian Larson
Superior Consulting Services, LLC
Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Data Models

2. Thanks to our GOLD Sponsor

3. Thanks to our SILVER Sponsors

4. Brian Larson
17 years experience with Microsoft Data Visualization Tools
Contributed to the initial codebase of SQL Server Reporting Service
Regional and National Speaker
Author for McGraw-Hill Education, New book on Power BI coming in 2019

5. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models Multi-table Solution
Use Calculated Tables for the most efficient way to create role-playing tables
Rename columns in the role-playing tables to clarify for the user

6. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models Multi-table Solution
Pros
Easy for user to understand the model
Works well when creating a crosstab of the two roles in a matrix

7. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models Multi-table Solution
Cons
If don’t relabel all fields in the copies, can get confusing
Can get inaccurate results if the wrong role playing table is used
Need to use TREATAS() in special measure to get multiple role-playing dimensions on the same axis

8. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models DAX Solution
Clearly label the measures created for the DAX calculations
If using SSAS Tabular model, use folders to organize the DAX calculations

9. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models DAX Solution
Pros
Reduces the number of tables in the model. Model appears less complex
Easy to create slicers and chart axis values that play multiple roles

10. Role Playing Dimensions in Tabular Models Multi-table Solution
Cons
Need to create specialized measures
Can become complex if a table has multiple role-playing dimensions.
Difficult to create a crosstab of the two roles in a matrix

11. Questions

12. Thank you
Brian Larson