This One Change Made My Time-Intelligence [DAX] Performance Faster!

Video by: Reid Havens

Microsoft's new calendar-based time intelligence isn't magic, but it's a necessary optimization for every new model (and existing ones with performance issues).

The Results:
✅ Simplified query plans
✅ Fewer rows scanned by Storage Engine (SE)
✅ Same DAX, better syntax

The performance gains come from smarter query optimization. If you're working with large fact tables and time-based calculations, this is how the engine should be working.

What I cover:

• How calendar-based functions optimize the storage engine

• DAX Studio query plan comparison (side-by-side)

• Setting up calendar categories in Power BI

• Migrating from classic DATEADD to calendar-based syntax

• FREE Power BI Calendar Template (PBIX)

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Introducing calendar-based time intelligence in DAX

PBI Calendar Overhaul: Calendar-Based Time Intelligence (with Jeroen [Jay] ter Heerdt)

LIVESTREAM DATE/TIME 📅

October 31st @ 9:30 AM (Pacific Time)

DESCRIPTION 📄

Product Manager Jeroen ter Heerdt demos Power BI’s new calendar-based time intelligence (Preview) — the long-overdue toolbox for anyone who’s ever cursed at week calculations, fiscal oddities, or retail 4-4-5 madness. He’ll show how to enable the preview and use the Calendar options UI or the TMDL model view to declare calendars so DAX finally behaves the way your business calendar actually does.

Expect live demos of week-aware DAX, examples mapping fiscal/retail/ISO calendars, tips on validating calendars (cardinality, partial vs complete categories), and notes on when this can improve performance versus classic time intelligence. This session is practical, so follow along with the preview enabled and bring your weird calendar.

GUEST BIO 👤

Dutch Data Dude. Product Manager at Microsoft.

Jeroen (Jay) ter Heerdt is a Product Manager at Microsoft. He works on Power BI and is passionate about "all things data"; his current focus is on DAX and modeling topics. He strives to be a “datanerd” in all aspects of his life. Jeroen combines enthusiasm, vision, and hands-on experience into his talks. He is on most social media as @jaypowerbi.

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Fixed-Window Charting in Power BI: Auto-Adjusting Calendar Periods

Video by: Reid Havens

Learn how to create a chart that always displays the same number of calendar periods, driven by slicer period selection, and regardless of if there is existing data (yet) for a period. This leverages a [DAX] generated table, relationships, and some auto-magic features. Tune in to learn more!

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Creating a Calendar Slicer from a Matrix Table! (with Erik Svensen)

Video by: Reid Havens

Join Erik Svensen and I as Erik walks through how to transform a native matrix visual into a powerful Calendar type filter for your visuals! Where you can slice by date, day of week, week period of year, and more. Tune in for the demo!

GUEST BIO (Erik Svensen)👤

Erik Svensen is a Microsoft MVP. Erik has been working with the Microsoft BI stack for more than 20 years - starting with out with Excel and Microsoft Query for over 25 years ago. He owns the company CatMan Solution who is now serving over 70+ FMCG suppliers with a Power BI solution that provides the supplier with valuable insights in their performance at store level based on point of sales data provided to them by different retailers. He started the Danish Power BI User group and speaks at conferences and meetups. Another great passion besides Power BI is his collection of Danish contemporary art. And if he finds time he occasionally blogs about Power BI as well.

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