In the release of SQL Server 2012, Microsoft introduced the SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) tabular model, a database that runs in-memory or in Direct Query mode. These databases display data with relational data sources. Allowing them to deliver a quick and powerful way of providing self-service Business Intelligence to client applications such as Microsoft Power View and Microsoft Excel.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Knowing how to build these databases or Tabular models is one thing but knowing how to build a Tabular model the right way is something completely different. Today, I want to demonstrate 5 steps on how to build a Tabular model in SSAS and how to deploy to a local instance.<\/strong><\/p>\n So, let\u2019s get started<\/p>\n Step 1:<\/strong> Create a new project in Visual Studio. Select Tabular, hit next and give the project a name. I suggest testing your connectivity before going on to step two.<\/p>\n Step 2:<\/strong> Import your data into Visual Studio and connect to SQL Server or a local instance. I connected to Adventure Works. Test your connection then use our Windows Server login and choose a couple of tables. These tables will confirm that we have data and a relationship to work with.<\/p>\n Step 3:<\/strong> Create a measure and a short DAX expression. Check the mark to confirm the measure is valid. Be sure to save often during this process.<\/p>\n Step 4:<\/strong> In Solution Explorer right-click on the solution and bring up properties. In these properties confirm the location of where you want to deploy. In my demo I am deploying to a local Analysis Services Server but you can also deploy to an Azure Analysis Server Instance by placing the name of that in the Server field.<\/p>\n In this case, I change my processing settings from default; if you\u2019re like me and want to control when your processing happens, change the processing settings to Do Not Process and click OK.<\/p>\n Step 5:<\/strong> Click on Build Solution. Hit deploy and this will allow you to deploy to your target environment. Please note it may take a few seconds to deploy to your target destination and don\u2019t forget to confirm after your solutions have been deployed.<\/p>\n