How to update clients' Power BI files without ruining their reports?

Question

We have lots of clients each having a database(all have same structure) on their servers. I am trying to prepare a base Power BI file which has the ability to get data from the server and has business logic (calculated columns, measures etc.). But every client needs their own reports.

I am trying to prepare Data and Relationships tabs and clients are preparing Report tab.

But what if I want to update the business logic? How can I update clients' files without ruining their already prepared reports? Is there an option to import only business logic to a file? Or am I doing wrong with this kind of planning?

Note: If I rename some columns/measures or make some relationship changes, this would lead errors in some reports. I am aware of this and want to ignore this situation. Even if this happens, some reports may need some attention, still much better than creating all reports in all updates.

Answer 1

Using the hack I've described in the comments to this post: http://byobi.com/blog/2016/05/strategic-prototyping-power-bi-desktop-vs-power-pivot/ you can actually "transplant" the model between workbooks.

Note: You have to replace these 3 elements: DataMashup, DataModel and Metadata

anyone spotted a feature-request for this issue in the ideas-section already?: https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi

Answer 2

I would use Parameters and the Power BI Desktop Template file for this. The Parameter value would drive the variations in business logic. The Template is a Report file emptied of data. When you/they open it in PBI Desktop, it will ask for the Parameter values (optional) and load all the data.

You would need to change your workflow so that one author maintains all the report pages in the PBIT file.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/deep-dive-into-query-parameters-and-power-bi-templates/