Can we have more than one active relationship between two tables in data model of power pivot Power BI interview questions and answers 397

 Can we have more than one active relationship between two tables in data model of power pivot ?

No, Power BI and Power Pivot don't directly support having multiple active relationships between the same two tables. This limitation is in place to maintain data integrity and prevent ambiguity in calculations.

However, you can achieve similar functionality using these strategies:

1. Inactive Relationships and USERELATIONSHIP():

• Create multiple relationships: Establish multiple relationships between the tables, but mark only one as active.

• Switch dynamically: Use the USERELATIONSHIP() function in DAX measures to dynamically switch between inactive relationships as needed. This allows for flexibility in analysis without compromising the model's structure.

2. DAX Calculations:

• Bypass relationships: Employ DAX functions like LOOKUPVALUE(), RELATEDTABLE(), or FILTER() to retrieve data from related tables based on specific criteria. This bypasses the need for multiple relationships and enables custom calculations and analysis paths.

3. Bridge Tables:

• Introduce a bridge table: Create a bridge table to link the two primary tables through multiple relationships. This creates a many-to-many relationship, allowing for more complex associations and flexibility in data exploration.

4. Multiple Data Models:

• Separate models: Consider creating separate data models with different active relationships to accommodate different analysis needs. This can be useful when dealing with conflicting requirements or distinct analysis scenarios.

Choose the most appropriate strategy based on your specific analysis needs and data model complexity.