SSAS Perspectives¶

Tabular models can become complex with numerous tables, fields, and measures, making it challenging for users of analysis and visualization tools to maintain an overview and quickly locate specific objects they need. To address this, SSAS Perspectives are introduced as a subset of objects within a tabular model that users of tools like Power BI, Excel, and others can apply to simplify their interaction with the model.

A SSAS perspective represents a focused subset of objects in a tabular model that relates to a specific area. For instance, you can create a "finance" SSAS perspective that includes all objects related to finance. When this perspective is utilized in front-end tools, any objects outside this subset will be hidden, providing a streamlined view for users.

Add or Edit a Perspective¶

Expand the instance, and right-click on Deliver instance model. Select Manage Perspectives.

Click on Add in the Perspectives window to create a new perspective.

Rename a Perspective¶

Double-click the Perspective header to rename it, e.g., "Finance Model".

Adding Objects to a Perspective¶

Select the checkboxes for the objects you want to include in the perspective.

Note that when all objects in a table are selected, the table is marked with a checkmark. If only some objects are selected, the table is marked with a dot.

Click OK after selecting the objects.

Deploy and execute the Deliver instance for the SSAS perspective to take effect.

Using the SSAS Perspective in a Front-End Visualization Tool¶

Power BI¶

Select Get Data > From Analysis Services

Enter the server name and credentials, then select the SSAS database and perspective. Click OK.

Excel¶

Select Get Data > From Analysis Services

Enter the server name and credentials, then select the SSAS database and perspective. Click Finish.

SSMS¶

Browse the SSAS database in SSMS

Click the three dots next to the SSAS database in the Browse tab, select the SSAS Perspective, and click OK.

Troubleshooting¶

To resolve this error, ensure that a measure is selected in the SSAS perspective.