The session was a Power BI training focused on Power Query, led by the trainer with participation from Gagan, Siva, and Shahad. The trainer guided attendees through downloading and extracting the course dataset, checking Power BI Desktop versions, and enabling preview features. The session covered the basics of Power BI, data visualization, and the importance of data cleaning before modeling and visualization. Participants learned to import data from Excel, folders of PDFs, and folders of Excel files, and to use the Power Query Editor to select tables and combine files. The trainer explained the Power Query interface, the difference between Transform and Add Column, and how to use Applied Steps. The group reviewed column statistics, including distinct and unique values, and saw how refreshing data in Power Query reflected updates in source folders. The session ended with confirmation that all main points were clear to the participants.
Power BI Training Session
The team began a Power BI training session focused on Power Query, with the trainer guiding participants through the setup process. They discussed downloading and installing a dataset from TeamAcademy, with instructions provided for extracting the zip file and storing it on the desktop. The session covered configuring Power BI settings, including enabling preview features to ensure the application stays updated, though Spanish language support was specifically excluded. Participants were advised to use Windows laptops with the April 2026 version of Power BI Desktop for consistency across the training.
Power BI Course Overview
The team discussed Power BI settings and dataset downloads, with instructions to save datasets on the desktop. Siva provided an overview of the Power BI course structure, covering four main modules: Power Query for data cleaning, data modeling, DAX functions, and visualization. The team then learned about Power BI fundamentals, including its purpose for business intelligence and data visualization, and began exploring how to connect to data sources through the Get Data function in Power BI Desktop.
Related Offerings
Excel to Power BI Data Import
The team discussed importing data from Excel into Power BI, focusing on how to properly extract and clean data using Power Query. Gagan requested to see the data in Excel before importing it to Power BI, which the team accommodated by guiding participants through opening the Power Query Practice folder containing sample "table versus sheet" data. The instructor explained the difference between importing the complete Excel sheet versus specific tables, demonstrating how to select only the relevant data tables while excluding headers, footers, and empty cells that would appear as null values in Power BI. The team learned about the distinction between the "Load" and "Transform" options in Power Query, with the instructor recommending to choose "Transform" to clean and modify the data before loading it into Power BI.
Power Query Editor Features Demo
Gagan demonstrated the Power Query Editor interface, explaining key features like the Home tab, data source settings, and the difference between Transform and Add Column functions. He emphasized the importance of naming queries and explained how the Applied Steps feature allows users to track and undo changes. Gagan also highlighted the caution needed when inserting steps in the Applied Steps area to avoid conflicts with future changes.
Excel and Power BI Integration
Gagan led a discussion on working with Excel files and Power BI, focusing on data input and management. The team explored how to add numbers to specific cells in an Excel table and how to reflect those changes in Power BI by refreshing the data. They then moved on to importing multiple PDF files into Power BI, emphasizing the importance of selecting a folder containing similar data files rather than individual files to streamline the process. Gagan explained the difference between combining and transforming data and stressed the need to combine files before transformation when dealing with similar data types.
PDF Data Extraction in Power BI
Gagan led a discussion on working with PDF files in Power BI, focusing on identifying and extracting specific tables from invoices. The team learned how to combine and transform data, with emphasis on selecting the appropriate table (Table 2) and handling null values. The session concluded with a plan to take a 10-minute break before resuming with more detailed Power Query work and exploring how changes in the folder are reflected in Power BI.
Power Query Training Session
The team conducted a Power Query training session focused on importing and combining multiple files. Siva and Shahad received assistance with screen sharing and file combination processes, with the instructor demonstrating how to use the combine button and folder import features in Power BI. The session covered practical exercises including importing PDF invoices and Excel files from folders, with emphasis on understanding the difference between distinct and unique values in data statistics. The instructor explained how Power Query automatically reflects changes in source folders when using the folder import option, and announced the next class would be held on Wednesday at 7-9 PM.
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