Accessing a Single File in SharePoint with Power BI

Jonathan Silva from Pragmatic Works presents an efficient method for accessing a single file in SharePoint for use in Power BI reports. This tutorial bypasses the need to navigate through an entire document library, offering a streamlined approach to data integration.

Finding the Direct Path to Your File

Silva's method revolves around locating and utilizing the direct path of the file you wish to access. Here’s how to do it:

• Navigate to your SharePoint site and identify the document library containing the desired file.
• Click on the ellipses (three dots) next to the file, then select "Details" at the bottom of the menu.
• Scroll to find the file's path. This URL is the direct link you need for Power BI.

Importing the File into Power BI

Once the direct path is obtained, the process of importing the file into Power BI is straightforward:

1. Open Power BI and select "Get Data."
2. Choose the "Web" option instead of SharePoint Online or a SharePoint list.
3. Paste the direct path URL obtained from SharePoint.
4. Authenticate if prompted, to allow Power BI to access the web content.
5. Upon successful connection, only the specified file will be imported for your report.

Benefits of Using the Direct Path

Silva highlights several advantages of this method:

• Efficiency: Directly accessing a single file eliminates the need to import an entire document library, saving time and resources.
• Simplicity: This approach simplifies the data integration process, making it more accessible for users of all skill levels.
• Precision: Users can ensure that the data imported into Power BI matches exactly with the source file in SharePoint, without the risk of selecting the wrong file.

Jonathan Silva’s tutorial demonstrates a quick and easy way to integrate SharePoint data into Power BI reports by focusing on a single file. This method not only streamlines the workflow but also ensures accuracy and efficiency in data reporting. By following these simple steps, users can enhance their Power BI projects, making them more manageable and effective.

Stay tuned to the Pragmatic Works' YouTube channel for more insightful tutorials and tips in data management and analysis. Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on  Microsoft applications.