Article
Semantic models that other reports can reuse
A semantic model is reusable when a second report can connect to it and get the same relationships and measures. I design for that. A model that only works for one page will be copied, and the copies will drift.
What reuse requires
Stable names, a date table, and measures that do not assume a single page filter. Hidden columns that exist only to make one visual work do not belong in a shared model.
The warehouse grain has to be agreed. If two reports need different grains, that is two fact tables in one model, not two models.
What I avoid
A .pbix that is both the model and the only report. That file cannot be reused without duplication.
I split the model from the pages so operations can add a report without asking for a new dataset.
Questions
What is a reusable Power BI semantic model?
A model whose relationships and measures other reports can share. Names, grain, and the date table stay stable so a second report does not need a copy of the dataset.
Why not keep the model inside one report file?
A .pbix that is both the model and the only report cannot be reused without duplication. The copies then drift.