Ga naar de inhoud

Business insights | Connecting data to Power BI dashboards

Download the Power BI API >

Getting your data into Power BI dashboards doesn’t have to be complicated. With SucceedIT’s Power BI apps, like the Dynamics 365 Business Central – Sales Report, you can set up your data easily and start gaining valuable insights. Follow these clear steps to get started.

Having trouble with your current set-up? Check out the most common issues >

1. What you need before you start

To connect your data, make sure you have:

  • A Business Central account with the right permissions.
  • A Power BI Pro license for yourself and anyone you’ll share reports with.
  • The SucceedIT Extended Power BI API installed and up to date (this app is essential for connecting your data). Download the app here.

Pro Tip: Always install the latest version of the Extended Power BI App when updating a report module to avoid errors.

Download Extended Power BI API >

2. Installing the Power BI API app

  1. Go to powerbi.com.
  2. Click on Apps and then select Get Apps.
  3. Search for Dynamics 365 Business Central – Sales Report (or one of the other SucceedIT Power BI Apps)
  4. Click Get it now and follow the steps to install.
  5. Once installed, you’re able to find the app in the Apps menu in Power BI.

3. Connect your data

Once the app is installed, follow these steps to connect the app to your Business Central environment:

  1. Open the app and select Connect Your Data.
  2. Enter:
    • Your Environment Name (in CAPITALS).
    • Your Company Name (as listed in Business Central). The displayed name as listed in Business Central (=displayName) of the company sometimes differs from the ’technical’ name (=Name) of the company. You can easily notice this in table ‘Companies'(bedrijven).
    • The CutOffDate (From which date you want your data to be imported, for example your Sales Orders)
  3. Log in with your Business Central credentials.
  4. Your data is now linked, and the app will display your reports.

4. Keep your data up-to-date

By default, the app doesn’t refresh your data daily automatically. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Go to the dataset settings in Power BI.
  2. Schedule automatic refreshes or use the Refresh Now option to update manually.

To set up automatic refresh:

  • Go to ‘Refresh schedule’ (‘Vernieuwen plannen’), which is the icon behind the semantic model.
  • Navigate to the ‘Refresh’ (‘Vernieuwen’) section.
  • Turn on the schedule using the on/off button.
  • Set the desired refresh time.
  • Click the Apply button at the bottom.

5. Display reports directly in Business Central

You can display and view Power BI reports directly on your Business Central Home page:

  1. Log in to Business Central.
  2. Find the empty Power BI section on your Home page and click Get Started with Power BI.
  3. Once your Power BI account is connected and verified, select the reports you want to display.

Trouble shooting | Solving some common issues

If your Power BI dashboard isn’t working as expected, don’t worry. Below are clear steps to fix common issues, so you can get your reports up and running quickly

1. No Power BI account

If you don’t have a Power BI account:

  • Set up a valid Power BI license.
  • Log in to Power BI at least once to create your workspace.

2. Message: “There are no enabled reports”

This error appears when the default report didn’t load or refresh correctly. Fix it by:

  1. Opening the Power BI workspace where the report is stored.
  2. Selecting the Dataset for the report.
  3. Going to Settings and manually updating the credentials.
  4. Refresh the dataset.
  5. Return to Business Central and selecting the report again in the Select Reports page.

3. Power BI Pro license required

To use and share reports:

  • You need a Power BI Pro license.
  • Everyone you share reports with also needs a Pro license.

 4. “Parameter validation failed, please make sure all parameters are valid”

This error happens when one or more parameters are incorrect:

  • Ensure the Environment Name matches an existing Business Central production or sandbox environment.
  • Check the Company Name in the Business Central Companies page.
  • If using Business Central on-premises:
    • Verify the URL on the Web Services page.
    • Ensure the correct port is open in your firewall.

5. Not able to sign-in

If you see a “login failed” error, check the following:

  • Make sure your account has permission to access the required data in Business Central.
  • Use Basic authentication if connecting to an on-premises Business Central setup.
  • Double-check your username and password.

6. Incorrect company name

If the system rejects your company name:

  • Avoid using the company’s display name.
  • Find the correct Name in the Business Central Companies page and use that.

7. Error: “The key didn’t match any rows in the table”

This error occurs when:

  • You’re using an outdated version of the Extended Power BI App. Always update the app before updating your Power BI report modules.
  • The company or environment name entered is invalid. Double-check these fields and try again.

8. Geo Map visuals not working

If the map visuals show a ‘cross’ error:

  • Ask your Power BI admin to enable choropleth maps in the Admin Portal of the Power BI Service.

9. Only seeing data for one company

By default, the Power BI app shows data for the company specified during setup. To add data from other companies:

  • Create new queries that pull data from additional Business Central companies.

Questions about Power BI dashboards?

With these steps, you’ll be up and running with your Power BI dashboards in no time. Ready to unlock your data’s full potential? Let’s get started!

If you’re still having trouble, our team is ready to assist! Contact us bij sending an e-mail to: [email protected].