SSRS → Power BI Modernization

01 Problem — example scenario

A financial organization relies on SSRS for operational reporting. Reports are static, slow, and difficult to maintain — logic is duplicated inside dozens of paginated reports. Users want interactive analytics and a modern BI platform, but the embedded SQL is a maintenance liability.

02 Constraints

• Business logic is scattered across embedded SSRS dataset queries — it must be consolidated, not copied.
• Existing numbers must reconcile: the modern model has to match trusted legacy report outputs.
• Access controls and auditability must carry over (RLS + governance).
• Business users need training to move from paginated reports to interactive analytics.

03 SSRS inventory

Modernization starts with an inventory: catalog every report, its embedded datasets, owners, usage, and the SQL each one runs — the raw material for consolidation. Filter by migration status, or click a column header to sort. Illustrative data.

04 SQL view consolidation

Embedded report queries are refactored into a small set of governed SQL Server views, so one definition serves every downstream visual.

-- Consolidated view replacing duplicated SSRS dataset logic
CREATE OR ALTER VIEW rpt.vw_OperationalReporting AS
SELECT
      d.CalendarDate,
      b.BranchName,
      SUM(f.Amount)          AS TotalAmount,
      COUNT_BIG(*)            AS RecordCount
FROM dbo.FactOperations f
JOIN dbo.DimDate   d ON d.DateKey   = f.DateKey
JOIN dbo.DimBranch b ON b.BranchKey = f.BranchKey
GROUP BY d.CalendarDate, b.BranchName;

-- each retired SSRS report maps to its replacement view

05 Power BI model — semantic layer

The consolidated views feed a single dimensional model that replaces the entire report estate.

06 DAX — semantic-layer measures

Interactive measures replace static report columns, with time-intelligence available everywhere.

Total Volume = SUM( FactOperations[Amount] )

Volume YoY % =
    VAR _cur  = [Total Volume]
    VAR _prev = CALCULATE( [Total Volume],
                         SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR( DimDate[CalendarDate] ) )
    RETURN DIVIDE( _cur - _prev, _prev )

// KPI target + status measures power the drill-through pages

07 Solution demonstration

The example Power BI app modernizes the estate while adding governance:

• Rebuilt SSRS logic in a unified semantic model.
• Interactive visuals — drill-through, bookmarks, KPI cards — replacing static paginated reports.
• A governance dashboard showing dataset health and usage.
• Training materials to move business users onto self-service analytics.

The rebuilt operational report runs on the FactOperations model. Filter by channel, hover the charts for values, and watch the dataset-health strip below. Illustrative data.

08 Outcome — demonstration

This example shows how SSRS modernization can, in practice:

• Reduce maintenance by consolidating scattered logic into governed views.
• Improve performance with a purpose-built dimensional model.
• Enable self-service analytics in place of static reports.
• Provide governance and auditability through RLS, lineage, and usage monitoring.