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Writer's pictureJoel Gagnon

Improve the quality of your organization's semantic models by certifying its bests

Not all semantic models are born equal. Some achieve greatness, others die young. Organizations with multiple Power BI developers should consider certifying their best semantic models to improve the overall level of their developments.


A certification gives users confidence in the quality of the data they are looking at. It also gives the manager confidence in the quality of the work done by its team. These benefits remain the tip of the iceberg.


The certification process is above all an opportunity to identify, promote and even impose good development practices. Whether or not the analysis of a semantic model leads to its certification, discussing good practices with its developer is a opportunity to learn and to identify improvements that will raise the general level of quality of developments.


How to certify a semantic model

Firstly, organizations implementing a certification program must identify the good practices they want to promote and formulate them into criteria. Then, a certifier uses them to analyze existing semantic models and to certify the best ones.


It is possible to attribute points each criterion. This overall score can be monitore at the semantic model level, as well as company wise.


My two cents

Here is the list of the semantic model certification criterias that I use. You may complete them with the specificities and preferences of your organisation.


Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome!


Organization
  • The owner of the data or process desires the certification

  • The semantic model is monitored, maintained and improved over time

  • .pbix files are saved in a secure location that logs versions

  • The semantic model is independently tested before being put into production

  • Reporting and semantic model development tasks are separated

  • Security groups manage access to the semantic model in Power BI Service

  • The data source is authoritative

    • e.g.: Avoid Excel


Development

Learn more about certification and best practices


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