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Today, the discussion focuses on breaking bad Excel habits when using Power BI. A common issue is emailing versions of Excel spreadsheets, leading to confusion about the correct version. This same problem occurs with Power BI files (PBIX) on SharePoint, where multiple versions create uncertainty about which one is the latest.

Emailing PBIX files leads to version confusion and outdated data, similar to Excel files. Multiple users making tweaks result in numerous different versions labeled the same. Versioning problems also arise when publishing reports to the Power BI service, leading to multiple versions that clog the system and create confusion.

To avoid these issues, it's essential to implement a lifecycle management process for reports, including development, testing, and production stages, with controlled access to workspaces. This prevents workarounds and ensures a centralized data source. Governance and workspace management are crucial, using repository control and pipeline management to maintain order. While stopping people from emailing files is challenging, centralizing file storage can help.

Starting with good habits is essential. Users should only have viewer access unless necessary, ensuring proper interaction with reports without altering filters or other settings. Engaging key stakeholders and identifying power users help establish proper roles and responsibilities. Delivering quality reports that are responsive, accurate, and well-branded encourages users to rely on centralized data rather than creating their own versions.

Avoid replicating Excel reports in Power BI, as it often leads to inefficiencies and confusion. Using virtual machines (VMs) for different clients helps segregate work and maintain consistency. Encouraging the use of the right tool for the job, whether Excel or Power BI, is crucial for effective data management.

Communication and user education are vital in helping users understand the importance of proper PBIX file management to avoid confusion and ensure data accuracy. Governance, proper roles, and responsibilities, and delivering high-quality reports are key to successful Power BI implementation. Starting with good practices prevents bad habits from forming, ensuring a smooth and efficient Power BI environment.

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