Before being able to run REST APIs to do specific tasks programmatically in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (hereby known as D365FO), the application needs to be able to authenticate the code that it is coming from a trusted source. By far the most common deployment to date is…
The real differences between Dynamics 365 Operations Embedded Power BI and BYOD Power BI
I get asked this question all the time in my work as I am the BI consultant in Dynamics 365 Operations implementations. Customer: “I would like to use Power BI to visualise Dynamics data.” Terry: “Sure, you have two choices: Embedded Power BI or BYOD Power BI. Tell me more…
Why I cannot download .pbix files from powerbi.com
If like me you thought “Hey, it’s a new feature, I can finally create reports in powerbi.com service and then when I need to mashup with data from other sources, then I just have to download the Power BI desktop file (.pbix), do my mashup and then publish it again.”,…
Dynamics 365 AX – Creating Data Entities for BYOD Azure Database including those without a natural key
We, BI professionals, sometimes take for granted that we can access the database of an ERP system quite easily, especially one that is made by Microsoft. However, the live Dynamics (365) AX database cannot be assessed directly currently. The diagram above shows that the Primary AX DB is copied into…
When not to use Management Reporter
Management Reporter is easy to use to create Management Reports and it does not require a developer to do it. But there are times when Management Reporter is not the right tool for the job. Here are some reasons why you should not use Management Reporter: 1. The data you…
Using Organization Hierarchies as Reporting Unit filters with Management Reporter
Well, hello. It has been more than three years since my last blog, since then I have been really busy at work and have a baby in the meantime. That being said, I wonder how much joy you guys have with playing with MR. I have been using Dynamics AX…
Using PIVOT function without a CTE
There are some cases when you need to use a PIVOT function in SQL but you cannot use a CTE. One such case is when you create a named query in a SSAS cube. To do so, place the first part of the CTE query as a subquery of the Non-CTE…
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 – Multiple Rows In Demand Forecast Table [FORECASTSALES] for each item
Why are there multiple rows for each item in the Demand Forecast Table in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012? This is helpful to know for BI for cubes that aggregate the data in the [FORECASTSALES] table. Basically the overview line and each exploded line of the same item is stored in the same…
Management Reporter Security
Are you confused by how user roles in AX 2012 are integrated with Management Reporter roles? Have problems adding or deleting users in Management Reporter? Get your answers here. In the last couple of weeks I have been asked by AX developers about Management Reporter Security. Mainly, they were stumped…
Zap Business Intelligence Installation
This walkthrough helps you to install Zap Business Intelligence. Some of you may need help knowing where to download the files. This is where I can help you. Firstly, go to www.zapbi.com
Conditional Coloured Bar Charts in Excel with Upper and Lower Targets
I was just trying to gauge my BI knowledge level the other day and decided to chart it for visibility. It should be able to tell me to focus on certain topics if 1) I know 20% or less of the topic and 2) if it reaches 100% – which…
What is Microsoft Management Reporter for Dynamics AX?
It is a collaborative and interactive reporting solution from Microsoft for finance data. View more here: Management Reporter 2012 Overview How is it different from standard SSRS? It is designed to be collaborative. How often do you need discuss a report with other people? This software actually allows you to…