Translytical task flows revolutionize Power BI
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From one-way street to versatile write-back functionality
Translytical task flows as a new preview feature take Power BI reports to a new level. Users now have the option to automate actions directly in the report. This speeds up decision-making processes and optimizes the workflow.
Create the basis for this functionality Fabric User data functions. The new feature makes it possible, for example, to adjust data sets, trigger notifications or link workflows with other systems.
Here are a few use cases with practical examples of using translytical task flows:
Adjust data
Translytical task flows allow users to change, add, or delete records based on filters or inputs in the report.
Practical example: In a report, target quotas for an employee can be adjusted directly without Power BI to leave. To do this, the desired value must be entered in a text field and confirmed by clicking on a button. A fabric user data function immediately updates the corresponding data sets.
Commenting on data
With this function, data points can be commented on, updated, or deleted directly in reports.
Practical example: In a sales report on the development of monthly sales per employee in a plan/actual comparison, it is possible to add additional information to individual values. When a desired data point is selected, a comment can be entered and sent, for example to explain a discrepancy. The comment is then directly visible in the report.
Dynamic notifications
Notifications can also be sent automatically to inform relevant people about specific events or to initiate action.
Practical example: If the status of a sales opportunity in the report changes to “Interest”, a suitable e-mail with product information is automatically sent to the responsible contact person.
Approval workflows
Approval processes can be started directly in the report. As a result, administrators or other responsible parties can easily approve or reject requests.
Practical example: A user who does not have administrative rights can suggest a target quota for the next year within a report. After submitting the proposal, an administrator is notified, for example via Microsoft Teams. He or she now has the opportunity to review the proposal in detail in a specially filtered report and make a final decision there.
Supplement data
It is possible to dynamically expand reports with additional information or data.
Practical example: In a report on the status of current collaborations, an API can also be used to retrieve current contact details of partner companies and display them directly in the report.
AI integration
Translytical task flows make it possible to integrate AI functions directly into reports or to start AI-based workflows.
Case study: Azure OpenAI can be used to automatically generate suggestions in the context of the Power BI report. To do this, a corresponding key figure must be selected and a “Generate AI suggestion” button must be clicked. The underlying Fabric User Data Function sends the individually customizable prompt to Azure OpenAI and provides the appropriate answer.
Technical classification of the use of translytical task flows
A report can combine multiple translytical task flows to make work more efficient. For example, it is possible to use an AI feature to write a marketing email and send it directly from the same Power BI interface.
These translytical task flows work with Python code, which can be individually designed according to use case, but this also means that this is not a low or no-code solution.
A fabric capacity is required to use the new feature. The recommended implementation for extensive write-back operations is with a Fabric SQL database. But write-back also works with a fabric warehouse. Fabric Lakehouses and Fabric Mirrored Databases are only suitable for read processes. Other databases are currently not supported.
In order to be able to use the full range of functions of Translytical Task Flows, the semantic model must have a live connection to the database so that the changes are also displayed in real time in the report.
For the write-back functionality itself, the new text, list or button slicers must be used in the Power BI report, which can each provide a value in the current filter context. Changing multiple values at the same time is not yet supported.
The translytical task flows not only enable the analysis of data, but also direct actions based on the insights gained. Decision-makers can react more quickly to changing conditions and tailor their work processes accordingly. Team collaboration is also simplified and the need to use external tools is reduced, further paving the way to Fabric as an all-in-one solution.
At the same time, this new feature offers companies a high level of flexibility, as the translytical task flows can be individually adapted to the specific requirements of the respective use case.
Translytical Task Flows are currently still a preview feature that must be activated in both Power BI and Fabric. It remains exciting to see how the interactive functionalities are being expanded.
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