How to Connect Microsoft Project to Power BI for Enhanced Reporting

In the latest video of our YouTube series on Microsoft Project, Yasmine Brooks delves into the process of connecting your Microsoft Project to Power BI, a tool that significantly enhances reporting capabilities. This guide is structured to assist users whether they are working with Project Desktop or Project for the Web.

Connecting to Power BI: The Basics

• Accessing Power BI: Log into your Power BI account and navigate to the 'apps' area, located on the left side of your page. Click on 'Get Apps' in the upper right corner.
• Finding Connections: In the 'Get Apps' section, type 'project' to find relevant connections for Microsoft Project.

Different Paths for Different Project Versions

1. Project Desktop or Project Online:
   • Look for the connection with the older project icon.
   • Requires uploading your project to Project Online or Project Web App.
2. Project for the Web:
   • Use the connection with the new project icon.
   • Note: Microsoft’s announcement about Project for the Web becoming part of Planner may affect this process in the future.

Step-by-Step Connection Guide

1. Project for the Web:
   • Select the last option in the 'Get Apps' list for Project for the Web.
   • Accept terms, choose a workspace, and install the app.
   • Connect your data by selecting the URL for your environment. This can be found in Power Apps under your default environment.
   • After connection, Power BI will display a template with dummy data.
2. Project Desktop:
   • Select the second to last icon in the 'Get Apps' list.
   • Follow similar steps to install and select a workspace.
   • For connecting data, use the URL for your PWA (Project Web App) site.
   • Ensure your projects are uploaded and published in the PWA for visibility in Power BI.

Customizing and Utilizing Power BI Reports

• Editing Reports: Navigate to the workspace to access and edit reports and data models.
• Navigating Data: The interface allows you to view different pages such as portfolio dashboard, timeline, and more.
• Creating New Reports: Download the files to Project Desktop for further customization.

Key Takeaways

• Ease of Use: Microsoft has simplified the connection process with templates in Power BI.
• Flexibility: Users can customize reports, visuals, and graphs according to their needs.
• Future Updates: Stay informed about changes, especially regarding Project for the Web's integration with Planner.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide for users looking to enhance their reporting capabilities in Microsoft Project by leveraging Power BI’s powerful tools. Whether you are using Project Desktop or Project for the Web, the process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for efficient and effective data management and reporting.

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