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Session 3 – Power BI & Copilot: The AI‑Enhanced Analyst (60 min)

Session Overview

In this session, you will optimize a semantic model and use Copilot to enhance your analytics experience in Power BI. By the end, you’ll be able to improve model usability, configure Q&A, and apply best practices for AI-powered analytics.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open the Semantic Model
    Download the provided content (Download here) and open the Copilot in Fabric Power BI Desktop file.

    Power BI Desktop with Copilot in Fabric file open

  2. Copy the Lakehouse SQL Analytics Endpoint
    In your Lakehouse, click the ellipsis next to the SQL Analytics endpoint and select Copy connection string.

    Copying SQL Analytics endpoint in Lakehouse

  3. Edit Parameters in Power BI Desktop
    In Power BI Desktop, go to Edit Parameters. Paste the connection string into the server parameter.

    Tip: If your Lakehouse is named differently than lh_demo, update the database parameter accordingly. Click OK and then Apply changes.

    Edit Parameters dialog in Power BI Desktop Pasting server connection string

  4. Add Descriptions to Measures
    In Model view (Power BI Desktop or Service), add clear descriptions to your measures to improve model usability.

    Adding measure descriptions in Model view Copilot-generated description example

  5. Configure Q&A Synonyms
    Open Q&A Tooling (gear icon) and go to the Synonyms tab. Add 3–5 business synonyms for each key field (e.g., add "revenue" as a synonym for Sales Amount).

    Q&A button in Power BI Q&A setup screen Q&A relationships example
    🔗 Q&A Best Practices (Microsoft Docs)

  6. Clean Up Field Names
    Hide key columns and rename any cryptic columns to friendly business names (e.g., rename ProductID to Product ID).

  7. Checkpoint: Review Your Model
    Verify that all tables are related, names are readable, and no errors appear in the model.

    Discuss with your group: Does your model meet best practices?

  8. Publish the Updated Model
    Save and publish the updated model back to your workspace.
    Optional: Compare your model to the Copilot in Fabric – Clean model included in the downloaded content.

  9. Practice Prompts
    Re-run the following prompts from Session 2 and compare the visuals and answers. You should see improved results.
    Copy each prompt using the copy button:

    text Show total sales by product category.

    text Create year-over-year sales growth measure. Explain the DAX.

    text Create an executive dashboard showing total sales, profit %, and top 5 products.

    text Summarize this page in three bullet points.

  10. Best Practices Reflection
    With your table-mates, compile a checklist of best practices: clear names, synonyms, star schema, and realistic expectations for Copilot.

Tips for Success

  • Ask questions! If you get stuck, raise your hand or ask a neighbor.
  • Pause at checkpoints to review your progress.
  • Share your screen if you need help troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with your group for the reflection activity.

Let your instructor know if you need further assistance or clarification!