How to set Power BI Date Slicer default to TODAY () in 5 mins?

How to set Power BI Date Slicer default to TODAY() in 5 mins ? This document outlines a robust methodology to implement dynamic “today” slicer within Power BI, thereby enabling users to efficiently filter reports by the current date while preserving the capacity to analyze data across all dates. Challenge Identification: Power BI’s standard date filtering mechanisms lack a dedicated “today” option within slicer visuals, which subsequently impedes user efficiency when focusing on current-day data. Consequently, this methodology addresses this limitation by providing a practical and adaptable solution. Solution Deployment: DAX and Calendar Table Construction (Check above Video for Step by Step) Calendar Table Generation: Initially, one generates a comprehensive calendar table using the DAX CALENDAR function. This action ensures the inclusion of all dates within the relevant data range, encompassing the minimum and maximum order dates. Subsequently, one establishes a relational link between the generated calendar table and the primary data table Dynamic “Today” Column Derivation:  Next, one introduces a calculated column within the calendar table. This column conditionally displays “today” for the current date and retains the original date values for all other dates. Specifically, one employs the DAX functions IF and TODAY to implement this conditional logic. Furthermore, for sorting consistency and data type compatibility, one uses the FORMAT function to convert the date values to string format. Ultimately, this derived column serves as the basis for the slicer visual. Slicer Visual Implementation: Then, one integrates a slicer visual into the Power BI report. Following that, one populates the slicer with the newly created calculated column. Finally, one configures the slicer’s display as a dropdown or list and arranges it in descending order to prioritize the “today” option. Benefits Realized: Enhanced User Experience: The “today” option simplifies the selection of current-day data. Real-time Data Representation: The slicer automatically reflects the current date, thus ensuring real-time relevance. Flexible Data Exploration: Users retain the ability to examine data across all dates. Ritesh Bisht Founder of Dance & Sing with Data “Ritesh is 2 times Tableau Ambassador & 1 time Power BI Super User from India and has been featured in the Top 15 Tableau & Power BI World Communities” Found me on: Linkedin Twitter Youtube Whatsapp

Power BI Price Hike: What It Means for You and How Tableau Compares

Power BI Price Hike: What It Means for You and How Tableau Compares Microsoft has recently announced a price increase for Power BI, effective April 1, 2025. This marks the first price hike since the platform’s launch nearly a decade ago. The cost for Power BI Pro licenses will rise from $10 to $14 per user per month, while Power BI Premium Per User (PPU) licenses will increase from $20 to $24 per user per month. For many organizations relying on Power BI, this change could impact their budget. But what does this mean for you? Should you stick with Power BI, or is it time to consider alternatives? Tableau Pricing: A Comparative Look Tableau offers several licensing options tailored to different needs. Here are the last available prices (please note that the latest pricing is not visible online, and you may need to contact Tableau’s sales team for the most up-to-date information): Tableau Creator: $115 per user per month (billed annually) Tableau Explorer: $70 per user per month (billed annually) Tableau Viewer: $35 per user per month (billed annually) These rates apply to both Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud. For those seeking more advanced features, such as AI-powered analytics, Tableau’s premium package, Tableau+, might be a worthwhile investment. Should Tableau Enthusiasts Be Happier? Some Tableau enthusiasts claim that the price increase for Power BI could make Tableau a more appealing option for several reasons: Competitive Edge: With the hike in Power BI’s prices, organizations might find Tableau’s advanced features and capabilities more attractive, despite its higher entry-level cost. Feature-Rich: Tableau is known for its robust and user-friendly interface, which continues to be a strong selling point. The increased cost of Power BI could push some potential users to consider Tableau’s feature-rich environment. Market Share: The change could potentially enhance Tableau’s market position and user base, possibly influencing future Gartner ratings in Tableau’s favor. Cost Comparison: Tableau Still More Expensive However, it’s important to note that Tableau remains significantly more expensive than Power BI, especially when considering the need for a Tableau Creator license to develop dashboards. In contrast, Power BI Pro at $14 per user per month allows for comprehensive dashboard creation and data analysis, making it still a more cost-effective option for many users. (but not all, it will vary with the size of DB and no. of users) New Players in the Market This price hike might also create opportunities for other BI tools with more competitive pricing, such as Looker, to attract new users. Looker and similar platforms could become appealing alternatives for businesses looking for robust BI solutions without the higher costs associated with Power BI and Tableau. Making the Right Choice for Your Business Ultimately, the decision between Power BI and Tableau or any other tool will depend on your specific business needs, feature preferences, and budget constraints. All leading platforms have their unique strengths and dedicated user bases.  Conclusion In summary, while Power BI has become more expensive, it still remains more affordable than Tableau’s equivalent/higher-tier licenses. The choice will ultimately depend on your specific requirements and budget. If you’re curious about the features or capabilities of Tableau or Power BI, feel free to explore further to make an informed decision. What’s Next? As businesses navigate these changes, staying informed and adaptable will be key. Whether you choose to stick with Power BI or consider switching to any other tool, understanding the full scope of each platform’s offerings will help you make the best decision for your organization.I hope this blog gives you a fairer picture of the current landscape between Power BI and Tableau. Let me know if you have any questions or need further insights! Ritesh Bisht Founder of Dance & Sing with Data “Ritesh is 2 times Tableau Ambassador & 1 time Power BI Super User from India and has been featured in the Top 15 Tableau & Power BI World Communities” Found me on: Linkedin Twitter Youtube Whatsapp Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification Course Unlock Your Potential with Tableau Desktop Specialist. Become a Tableau Desktop Specialist with our comprehensive certification course. Designed to enhance your data visualization skills, this program equips you with the expertise to create compelling visualizations and make data-driven decisions. Start Courses