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Writer's pictureDan Beck

Starting with Power BI



Microsoft Power BI is a fantastic tool for creating stunning visualisations and gaining insights from your data. But, where to begin?


In this article, we'll explore what in my opinion are the three main starting points based on either need or circumstance when it comes to Power BI implementation:



We'll discuss the pros and cons of each approach and provide examples to help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you (or with the position you’ve found yourself in).


People: Hiring the Right Talent

When you've got someone on board with Power BI skills, it's natural to want to put them to good use. Here are the pros and cons of starting your Power BI journey with the people you've hired.

PROS

CONS

Existing expertise: Your new hire already has the necessary skills, which means less time spent on training and a faster implementation process.

Limited scope: Relying solely on your new hire's knowledge may limit your organisation's overall understanding of Power BI and its capabilities.

Innovation: Skilled Power BI professionals can help you discover new ways to analyse and visualise your data, leading to fresh insights and innovative solutions.

Dependence: If your Power BI expert leaves the company, you may find yourself scrambling to fill the knowledge gap they leave behind.

Limited work: It can be hard to build a backlog of work when the business has not yet fully worked out what they want this person to do.


Problem: Solving Issues with Power BI

Sometimes, the need for Power BI arises from a specific problem or challenge, either internally or from a client that has just presented itself. Here are the pros and cons of starting from this approach.

PROS


CONS

Clear focus: Starting with a problem gives you a well-defined objective, making it easier to measure success and demonstrate the value of Power BI.

Narrow perspective: Focusing on a single problem may limit your exploration of Power BI's full potential, leaving some features and capabilities underutilised.

Immediate impact: Solving a pressing issue can have an immediate positive effect on your organisation, boosting morale and showcasing the power of data-driven decision-making.

Short-term thinking: By concentrating on solving a specific issue, you may overlook the need for a long-term Power BI strategy.

Learning from doing: The best way to learn some of these new tools is to learn from doing, to use the tools practically and become accustomed to them in a safe space.


Plan: Strategising your Power BI Implementation

For those who prefer a more structured approach, starting with a well-thought-out plan for using Power BI can be an excellent choice. In fact, it is probably the one with the least pitfalls, but that does not mean it is without its own cons. Let's examine the pros and cons of this method.

PROS

CONS

Holistic approach: By creating a comprehensive plan, you can ensure that your organisation fully leverages Power BI's capabilities, leading to more significant insights and long-term benefits.

Time-consuming: Developing a thorough plan requires time and effort, which may delay the initial benefits of Power BI adoption.

Scalability: A well-planned implementation allows for smoother scaling and integration of Power BI across different departments and projects.

Rigidity: A too-detailed plan can hinder flexibility and make it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances or new opportunities that arise.

PT 2.0's Power BI Program: the best of all worlds

At PT 2.0, we understand that every organisation is unique, and the best approach to Power BI implementation will vary depending on your specific needs and goals.


That's why we offer a program designed to help businesses understand their current position, identify opportunities for improvement, and move forward more efficiently.


Regardless of if you started from project, person or plan perspective, our team of experts can guide you through the process, from assessing your organisation's needs to developing a tailored Power BI strategy. By leveraging our experience and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth and successful Power BI implementation that drives real results for your business.


Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks – a deep dive into the three main starting points for implementing Power BI and the pros and cons of each approach. Remember, the true power of Power BI lies in its ability to unlock valuable insights from your data and drive informed decision-making. By carefully considering your starting point and being open to adapting your approach as needed, you'll be well on your way to harnessing the full potential of Power BI and transforming your organisation's data analytics capabilities.

If you're interested in learning more about our Power BI program or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our team or reach out to me on LinkedIn. Let's work together to create a data-driven future for your organisation!


Remember to keep things light and fun – because even data analytics can be a hoot when you're passionate about it!

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