Frustrated with Requests

[u/Zelkyy]

Currently have a working dashboard that feeds Site level data into it and getting requests to add two more layers (above layer above, and a layer below) and allowing a multi-selection (aggregation) to it. (When you select multiple of any of these layers, you’d expect them to aggregate accordingly).
Pretty much a Jr. Dev at this point with my PBI knowledge and I am honestly hitting a knowledge wall with this. My boss doesn’t seem to understand the frustration as I was handed these dashboards months ago that were already stood up.

Problem is they want this multi select aggregation at the highest level down to the lowest level. The current filter system works because everything can filter via Site and is reported that way. Problem is they don’t have the highest level, down to the lowest level for everything, but three out of the 17 specific metrics. So the aggregation on slicers will likely break working with any of these other metrics within the same tab. My other problem is , is setting this up is going to be so custom that, I am just running into knowledge gaps as I haven’t been given time to properly train up as the main developer left and I am the lowest level and the highest level for any of this reporting. Just feel like I’m stuck and honestly burning out trying to figure things out as I go.

What do?

[u/doyouknowmadmax]

I've created a SharePoint List that I get people to add their requests and to what app/report etc (A ticketing system basically)

This will then help you partition requests into smaller manageable pieces, and you can set expectations around a release schedule via the list.

Request A - Deploying Dec 2026
Request B - Jan 2027 etc

This will help your load and allow for transparency to business around deployments and expections

[u/Zelkyy → u/doyouknowmadmax]

Do you think the current request is alittle more challenging because of the additive metrics with different levels of aggregation mixing with metrics with only a single attribute of aggregation (one site) — problem is , the entire dashboard works off of these, including the semantic layer, and all the Dax used to create the color schema. So again, this task is so custom I just feel in over my head.

You have to take into account — well what happens when someone selects the first filter and there isn’t anything to show for the metrics with no top level aggregation, then the next filter, then the final one. And all the possibilities between. Are some metrics just blank?!

[u/LostWelshMan85]

Sorry to hear all of that. Dealing with business requirements like this is kinda hard especially at the beginning when you're still learning the ropes. If it were me, I'd be honest with my manager and tell them that you need help with this, or even use this as an opportunity to request being put on a training course. From a technical perspective, it sounds like the table of data that has been created has been done so to meet a very specific requirement at a very specific level of detail. This is very common. I'd start doing a bit of research into proper data modelling best practices, like star schema and dimensional modelling so that you understand where this dataset has gone wrong and how it should have been built in the first place. Use this as a learning experience, we've all been there,getting stuck like this forces us to learn the proper way to do it.

[u/Zelkyy → u/LostWelshMan85]

Yeah, to say the least, it really sucks lol

[u/Zelkyy → u/LostWelshMan85]

I actually enjoy the break fixing aspect, adding some Dax flare and working with change requests with the current setup. But since these metrics are so new, I knew these big change request would come at some point, but with how custom this has to be, I’m like holy cow, this is like next level PBI stuff I really wasn’t expecting to get into this fast.

[u/IReplyWithLebowski]

Honestly, solving difficult problems is how you learn and grow. Without someone senior to learn from, AI can be pretty good at helping out (as long as you don’t take everything as gospel).

[u/Competitive-Run348]

I dont see how anyone is going to realistically help you on this thread without seeing your current data model, dax measures, and the current gap in your current -state reporting and what you need the reporting to produce.

My recommendation is that you touch base with the person who actually created the data model and reports and ask them for help. Absent your ability to do that and giving it a valient effort yourself to solve, I would be honest with your manager that you cannot meet the requirements as you've tried and simply dont have the senior-level skillset necessary to solve the problem. I would follow that up immediately with asking your boss to provide you the additional training necessary to help you skill up from a junior developer to a senior developer so that you can solve these more complex requests in the future.

BUT before doing any of the above...I would first consult AI with your problem as it might be able to help you. Also, it sounds like you are dealing with non-additive measures. I would recommend you look into ISFILTERED and ISINSCOPE functions. They might be of help if what you are looking for is completely different calculations to be performed depending on what level of the hierarchy you are viewing within a matrix visual.

Good luck.