Aggregations are one of the most important optimization methods for managing large datasets in Power BI. Combined with Direct Query storage mode, they allow big datasets to be analyzed efficiently by answering high level analytical queries from memory while sending more detailed queries to the back-end source systems.

There are two options for aggregations: User-Defined Aggregations and Automatic Aggregations. User-Defined Aggregations are set up from Power BI Desktop and are designed/maintained by developers. Automatic Aggregations are enabled from Power BI service and are designed/maintained by Power BI Service using machine learning to design an optimum set of aggregations. Both types of aggregations can be used in a Power BI dataset.

In this session, you will learn about aggregations, different table storage modes, how to set up and configure user defined aggregations as well as automatic aggregations, and how to monitor their use.