Real Time Power BI Project Report

BLINKIT DATA ANALYSIS

A Project Report
Submitted for the seventh Semester of the Requirements for the Degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
NAME ROLL NO.

(Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)

By

Under the guidance of

Mrs. SULEKHA NANDY
HOD of CSE Department

B.TECH Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (2021-2025)

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Real Time Power
BI Project Report
BLINKIT DATA ANALYSIS

Presented By
ROHIT SAHA
ANJAN KHETO
AMAN AHMAD
DIPTENDRANATH JUIN
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 Table of contents

1. Project intro

2. Introduction to data analysis

3. Purpose of this project

4. Data sources and requirement

5. Tools and technology

6. Data preparation

7. Data modelling

8. Report and dashboard design

9. Performance optimization

10. Testing and validation

11. Deployment and sharing

12. Maintainance and sharing

13. Challenges and solutions

14. conclusion

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 1. Project Introduction
We will be making a data analysis project of a company based on the actual
data of its sales and customer services. We will use the data to make people
visualize what is actually taking place under the hood, it will provide you an easy
understanding and quality information about the company’s financial status and
will let you know the company is making profit or it is currently in loss. The
information which can be acquired from this project can be further used in
marketing and remodelling of the whole business structure it will help you
develop strategy and will also let you know about the special areas where the
company needs to focus in order to grow and build a successful business firm.

Before we dive into this project we need to understand what is data analysis.

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 2. INTRODUCTION TO DATA
ANALYSIS
Data analysis is an essential aspect of modern decision-making processes across
various sectors, including business, healthcare, finance, and academia. As
organizations generate massive amounts of data daily, understanding how to
extract meaningful insights from this data becomes crucial. The fundamental
concepts of data analysis, its types, significance, methods, and the tools used
for effective analysis. We will also address common queries related to data
analysis, providing clarity on its definition and applications in various fields. Data
analysis involve various pre-processing of data extracting the meaningful
insights about the data.

The process can be broken down into several steps, including:

1. Data Collection: Gathering relevant data from various sources, which could
be databases, surveys, sensors, or web scraping.

2. Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting inaccuracies or inconsistencies in

the data to ensure its quality and reliability.
3. Data Transformation: Modifying data into a suitable format for analysis,
which may involve normalization, aggregation, or creating new variables.

4. Data Analysis: Applying statistical methods and algorithms to explore the

data, identify trends, and extract meaningful insights.

5. Data Interpretation: Translating the findings into actionable

recommendations or conclusions that inform decision-making.

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 3. Purpose of this project
The purposes of a data analysis project can vary depending on the
organization's needs and the context of the project. However, the general
purposes include:

1. Decision Support
Provide actionable insights to aid decision-making at strategic, tactical, or
operational level.
2. Trend Analysis
Detect patterns and trends over time.
3. Performance Measurement
Monitor key performance indicators (kpis) to evaluate the effectiveness of
strategies and operations.
Example: Tracking customer acquisition cost (CAC) and return on investment
(ROI).
4. Problem Identification
Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or anomalies in processes
Example: Detecting a decline in website traffic after a product launch.
5. Forecasting and Predictive Analysis
Use historical data to forecast future trends or outcomes.
6. Business Optimization
Optimize operations, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency.
Example: Streamlining supply chain processes based on historical performance
data.
7. Risk Management
Identify potential risks and mitigate them proactively.
Example: Monitoring financial transactions to detect fraudulent activities.
8. Market Understanding
Gain insights into market trends, customer preferences, and competitive
positioning.

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4. Data sources and
requirement
1. Data Sources
The data sources for a data analysis project depend on the project's scope
and objectives. Below are common types of data sources:
A. Internal Data Sources
Databases: Relational databases like SQL Server, MySQL, or Oracle, storing
transactional data such as sales, inventory, or customer information.
Enterprise Applications: ERP (e.g., SAP), CRM (e.g., Salesforce), and HRMS
(e.g., Workday) systems.
Spreadsheets: Data stored in Excel or CSV files for quick analysis or historical
records.
B. External Data Sources
APIs: External systems providing real-time data (e.g., weather APIs, financial
market APIs).
Web Analytics Tools: Platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics for
website performance data.
Market Research: Industry reports, surveys, or third-party research.
C. Cloud Data Sources
Cloud Storage: Data from cloud platforms like Azure, AWS S3, or Google
Cloud Storage.
Cloud Databases: BigQuery, Snowflake, or Redshift for big data analysis.
D. Unstructured Data
Social Media: Data from platforms like Twitter or Facebook for sentiment
analysis.
Logs and Sensors: Machine-generated logs or IoT devices for operational
insights.
2. Data Requirements
Define the data needed to achieve project goals. Key requirements include:
A. Data Accessibility

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Identify all relevant data sources and ensure they are accessible.
Example: Access permissions to databases or APIs.
B. Data Relevance
Ensure data aligns with the project's objectives.
Example: For sales analysis, focus on transaction and customer data.
C. Data Quality
Completeness: Ensure no missing values or incomplete records.
Accuracy: Cross-validate data with source systems to avoid discrepancies.
Consistency: Standardize data formats (e.g., date, currency) across sources.
D. Data Volume and Frequency
Understand the volume of data and its update frequency.
Example: Real-time dashboards require live data refresh, while monthly
reports can use static snapshots.
E. Data Privacy and Security
Ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
Mask sensitive information (e.g., customer PII) as needed.
F. Integration and Transformation
Determine the tools needed for data integration and transformation.
Example: Use Power Query for cleansing and combining multiple sources.

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 5. Tools and Technology
• Power BI Desktop: For data modeling and visualization.
• SQL Server: For retrieving and storing structured data.
• Excel: For preprocessing data.
• Python: For advanced analysis and data transformation.
• Power BI Service: For sharing dashboards and scheduling data refreshes.

By selecting the right combination of tools, you can ensure efficiency, scalability,
and precision in your data analysis project.

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 6. Data preparation
Data preparation is a critical step in any data analysis project. It involves
cleaning, transforming, and organizing raw data into a format suitable for
analysis. Below is a detailed breakdown of the data preparation process:
1. Data Understanding
Before starting data preparation, understand the data sources, structure, and
context.
Review Data Sources:
Identify the sources (e.g., databases, APIs, spreadsheets).
Understand the data formats (e.g., JSON, CSV, SQL tables).
Identify Key Variables:
Determine relevant fields for analysis (e.g., sales amount, product category,
region).
Assess Data Volume:
Estimate the size and complexity of the data.
2. Data Cleaning
Clean the raw data to ensure it is free of errors, inconsistencies, and missing
values.
Handle Missing Data:
Replace with default values (e.g., "0" or "N/A").
Use statistical methods like mean, median, or mode imputation.
Remove Duplicates:
Identify and eliminate duplicate records.
Correct Errors:
Fix typos or incorrect entries.
Example: Standardize "NYC" and "New York City" into a single value.
Validate Data Types:
Ensure fields match their intended data types (e.g., numeric, date).
3. Data Transformation
Transform raw data into a structure suitable for analysis.
Standardize Formats:
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Convert dates to a consistent format (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD).
Standardize currency values or units of measurement.
Normalize Data:
Scale numeric data to a common range (e.g., 0-1) if needed.
Create Calculated Columns:
Example: Add a column for "Profit" calculated as Revenue - Cost.
Aggregate Data:
Summarize data for high-level insights (e.g., monthly sales totals).
4. Data Integration
Combine data from multiple sources into a unified dataset.
Merge Datasets:
Use joins (e.g., INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN) to integrate related datasets.
Handle Schema Differences:
Align column names, data types, and formats across sources.
Deduplicate Records:
Remove duplicates introduced during merging.
5. Data Filtering
Select relevant subsets of data for analysis.
Filter by Date Range:
Example: Select sales data from the last 12 months.
Filter by Category:
Example: Analyze data for specific product categories or regions.
6. Data Validation
Ensure the data is accurate, complete, and ready for analysis.
Cross-Check with Source Systems:
Validate aggregated results against raw data.
Test Transformations:
Verify the correctness of calculated columns and metrics.
Spot-Check Samples:
Manually review a subset of records for anomalies.

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7. Data modelling
Data modeling is the process of structuring and organizing data to facilitate
efficient analysis and reporting. In Power BI and other tools, this involves
creating relationships, defining measures, and optimizing the dataset for
performance.
1. Goals of Data Modeling
To represent data in a way that supports accurate and efficient analysis.
To establish logical relationships between tables.
To create reusable metrics and calculations.
To optimize performance and minimize redundancy.
2. Steps in Data Modeling
Step 1: Understand the Data
Analyze the data sources and identify key entities (e.g., Customers, Sales,
Products).
Understand the relationships and dependencies between these entities.
Step 2: Define the Schema
Star Schema: Preferred for analytical projects; consists of fact and dimension
tables.
Fact Table: Stores quantitative data (e.g., sales, revenue).
Dimension Table: Stores descriptive data (e.g., product details, customer
demographics).
Snowflake Schema: A more normalized version of the star schema where
dimensions are split into related tables.
Step 3: Create Relationships
Establish relationships between fact and dimension tables.
Use primary and foreign keys to link tables.
Example: Link Sales (fact table) to Products and Customers (dimension tables)
using ProductID and CustomerID.
Step 4: Define Measures and Calculations
use DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI to create custom metrics.
Basic Measures:
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Total Sales: SUM(Sales[Amount])
Total Quantity: SUM(Sales[Quantity])
Advanced Measures:
Profit Margin: (SUM(Sales[Revenue]) - SUM(Sales[Cost])) /
SUM(Sales[Revenue])
Year-to-Date Sales: TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Date[Date])
Step 5: Optimize the Data Model
Remove Unnecessary Columns: Exclude columns not needed for analysis.
Reduce Cardinality: Avoid high cardinality in columns (e.g., avoid large text
fields in relationships).
Use Aggregations: Pre-aggregate data to improve performance for large
datasets.
Enable Proper Indexing: Index key columns for faster lookups.
Step 6: Validate the Model
Test the relationships and measures for accuracy.
Compare results against known benchmarks or reports to ensure correctness.
3. Best Practices for Data Modeling
• Use a Star Schema
Simplifies relationships and improves query performance.
• Name Columns and Tables Clearly
Use consistent and descriptive naming conventions.
Example: Use Sales Amount instead of Amt for clarity.
• Create Date Tables
Use a dedicated date table for time-based analysis.
Ensure it has continuous dates with no gaps.
• Avoid Circular Dependencies
Ensure relationships do not create loops, as they can lead to errors.
Implement Hierarchies
Create hierarchies for drill-down analysis (e.g., Year > Quarter > Month
> Day).
• Use DAX for Dynamic Measures
Keep calculated measures in the data model, not in the report, for
reusability.
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8. Report and Dashboard
Design
Report and dashboard design is a critical phase in any data analysis project. It
focuses on presenting insights in an intuitive, actionable, and visually
appealing way. This phase involves organizing data, choosing appropriate
visualizations, and ensuring a seamless user experience.
1. Objectives of Report and Dashboard Design
Provide actionable insights to decision-makers.
Facilitate real-time monitoring of key metrics.
Allow users to explore data interactively.
Enhance understanding through clear visualizations.
2. Steps for Designing Reports and Dashboards
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Identify the target audience (e.g., executives, analysts, operations team).
Determine the purpose of the dashboard (e.g., performance monitoring,
detailed analysis).
Gather KPIs and metrics relevant to the audience.
Example: Revenue, customer retention rate, sales by region.
Step 2: Plannig the Layout
Use a logical structure:
Place the most critical information (KPIs) at the top or center.
Group related metrics and visuals together.
Maintain a consistent layout across multiple pages or dashboards.
Prioritize simplicity and clarity to avoid clutter.
Step 3: Choose Appropriate Visualizations
Select the right visual elements based on the data and insights you want to
convey.
Step 4: Add Interactivity
Enhance usability by allowing users to explore data interactively.
Filters:

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Example: Filter by region, time period, or product category.
Slicers:
Visual filters to provide instant data segmentation.
Step 5: Ensuring Consistency
Use a consistent color scheme aligned with organizational branding.
Apply uniform font styles and sizes.
Standardize the formatting of numbers, dates, and labels.
Step 6: Optimizing Performance
Limit the number of visuals on each page to improve loading times.
Aggregate data where possible to reduce processing overhead.
Use efficient queries and optimized data models.
Step 7: Test and Iterate
Validate all visualizations to ensure accuracy.
Test the dashboard with end-users and gather feedback.
Iterate to refine usability, relevance, and visual appeal.
3. Best Practices for Report and Dashboard Design
A. Simplicity
Focus on key insights; avoid unnecessary visuals.
Use whitespace effectively to avoid clutter.
B. Storytelling
Guide users through the data with a logical flow.
Use titles, labels, and annotations to explain insights.
C. Accessibility
Use contrasting colors for readability.
Ensure dashboards are accessible across devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
D. Real-Time Data Updates
For real-time dashboards, ensure data refresh schedules are clearly defined.

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9. Performance Optimization
1. Optimizing Data Models:
• Structure your data in a star schema to simplify relationships and
improve query performance.
• Remove unnecessary tables and columns to reduce the dataset size.
• Replace calculated columns with measures for dynamic and efficient
calculations
2. Efficient Queries:
• Filter and preprocess data at the source before importing it into Power
BI.
• Use aggregated tables for repetitive calculations to reduce runtime
complexity.
• Enable query folding to ensure transformations are pushed to the data
source.
3. Improving DAX Performance:
• Leverage functions like SUMX and CALCULATE effectively, minimizing
nested or iterative calculations.
• Store reusable calculations as variables within DAX measures.
• Use tools like DAX Studio to debug and analyze query performance.
4. Reducing Visual Load:
• Avoid excessive visuals and heavy custom visuals that can slow
down report rendering.
• Use bookmarks and drill-through pages to declutter reports.
5. Monitoring Tools:
• Regularly run the Performance Analyzer in Power BI Desktop to
diagnose slow visuals.
• Monitor refresh times and optimize data queries or imports for large
datasets.

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10. Testing and Validation
• Unit Testing:
o Test each data source connection to ensure data is being imported
accurately.
o Validate calculated columns, relationships, and measures individually
for correctness.
• End-to-End Testing:
o Simulate a complete data refresh cycle to ensure data flows correctly
from source to dashboard.
o Cross-check the visualized data against source reports or databases.
• Performance Testing:
o Test the dashboard’s load time across different devices and
browsers.
o Validate the performance of live or DirectQuery data connections
under high user loads.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
o Share prototypes or beta versions with end-users for usability
feedback.
o Ensure the dashboard addresses specific business questions or KPIs
effectively.
• Validation Tools:
o Use Excel, SQL queries, or scripts to double-check aggregated results
against visuals.
o Include edge-case testing, such as scenarios with missing, outlier, or
unexpected data.

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11. Deployment and Sharing
• Deployment Process:
o Publish the Power BI report to the Power BI Service or Report Server.
o Configure scheduled refresh cycles and incremental refresh settings
for timely updates.
• Access Control:
o Set up Row-Level Security (RLS) to restrict access to sensitive data
based on user roles.
o Assign appropriate roles (Admin, Member, Contributor, Viewer)
within workspaces.
• Distribution Channels:
o Share the dashboard via direct links, embedding in web applications,
or Microsoft Teams.
o Enable Power BI mobile compatibility for on-the-go users.
• Collaboration and Feedback:
o Use Power BI Service’s commenting feature for real-time
discussions.
o Set up alerts for business-critical KPIs so users are notified of
significant changes.

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12. Maintenance and Sharing
• Regular Monitoring:
o Review usage analytics in Power BI Service to track user
engagement.
o Monitor scheduled refresh logs to identify and address data refresh
failures.
• Updating Reports:
o Incorporate user feedback to refine visuals and add new features.
o Document changes to ensure all updates are recorded for future
reference.
• User Education:
o Provide training sessions or written guides for end-users to
maximize adoption.
o Use walkthrough videos to explain features like drill-through,
bookmarks, and filters.
• Backup and Version Control:
o Maintain backups of PBIX files in a secure location.
o Use version control systems to track changes and collaborate
efficiently.

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13. Challenges and Solutions
• Data Integration Issues:
o Challenge: Difficulty consolidating multiple datasets with
inconsistent formats.
o Solution: Use Power Query to clean and standardize data before
loading it into the model.
• Performance Bottlenecks:
o Challenge: Reports taking too long to load.
o Solution: Optimize data models, use aggregations, and reduce the
number of visuals.
• User Engagement:
o Challenge: Low user adoption of dashboards.
o Solution: Simplify design, focus on relevant KPIs, and offer training
sessions.
• Security Concerns:
o Challenge: Ensuring sensitive data is not accessible to unauthorized
users.
o Solution: Implement RLS, data masking, and secure workspace
permissions.
• Scaling Issues:
o Challenge: Handling large datasets with millions of rows.
o Solution: Leverage incremental refresh, partitioning, and
DirectQuery mode.

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 14. Conclusion
A successful data analysis project is a comprehensive process that transforms
raw data into actionable insights. From planning and data preparation to
creating robust data models and designing intuitive dashboards, each step is
crucial to achieving the project's objectives. Below are the key takeaways:

1. Importance of Planning
Thorough planning ensures clarity in objectives, scope, and deliverables.
Identifying stakeholders, data sources, and tools upfront minimizes challenges
during execution.
2. Data Preparation as the Foundation
Clean, accurate, and structured data is essential for meaningful analysis.
Effective data integration and enrichment improve the quality of insights.
3. Robust Data Modeling
A well-structured data model ensures scalability, accuracy, and performance.
The use of appropriate schemas (e.g., star schema) and DAX measures in tools
like Power BI enhances analytical capabilities.
4. Effective Report and Dashboard Design
A well-designed dashboard simplifies complex data for decision-makers.
Features like interactivity, clear visuals, and performance optimization enhance
usability and accessibility.
6. Delivering Business Value
The ultimate goal of any data analysis project is to deliver actionable insights.
Dashboards and reports empower stakeholders to make informed decisions,
identify opportunities, and address challenges.
A data analysis project is not just about generating reports but about solving
problems, uncovering trends, and enabling data-driven decision-making. By
adhering to best practices, leveraging the right tools, and maintaining a clear
focus on the objectives, organizations can maximize the value derived from
their data. Continuous feedback, iteration, and collaboration with stakeholders
ensure that the project evolves to meet changing business needs.
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In conclusion, a well-executed data analysis project is a strategic asset that
drives innovation, efficiency, and growth.

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