Power BI data sources via OData
A category overview of available DigiData connectors, supported source systems and the choice between OData and CSV. Open a connector page for entities, setup, refresh, and restrictions.
Power BI connections via OData in short
DigiData synchronizes supported source systems to OData tables that Power BI and Excel can load. The connector handles the retrieval and making source records available; Power BI arranges relationships, calculations, visualizations and your own planned innovation. Use the list below to first choose a source and check for the detail page whether the required entities are available.
How does it work?
1. Connect your software
Choose an available connector and configure access DigiData. The setup varies by source and can be OAuth or use source credentials.
2. Data is synchronized
DigiData retrieves the supported entities according to the set schedule. Determine resource permissions and API availability which records and updates are available.
3. Load into Power BI
Open Power BI Desktop, choose ‘Get Data’ and select OData feed. Paste your DigiData URL and your data is available as tables.
What does DigiData arrange, and what do you arrange in Power BI?
DigiData manages the connection to a supported source system, syncs the listed entities and serves those records via OData or CSV. This leaves source API logic outside the report.
In Power BI, connect the OData feed, select tables and you build the data model yourself. Also measures, definitions, validation against the source system and the Power BI refresh schedule with the report.
OData is intended for recurring loading; CSV is available for a defined export. Only combine multiple sources after you validated keys, periods and definitions per source.
Choose Power BI connector per source
First compare the source, available entities and desired ones refreshment. DigiData uses OData for recurring reports and CSV for individual exports; the detail page names per connector the setup and limitations.
Accounting to Power BI
Twinfield and Exact Online supply financial source data such as transactions, relationships and general ledger information. See the connector page for the exact tables.
Projects and hours
For Simplicate, Robaws and Bouw7 you mainly use Power BI for project margin, hours, planning, quotations, invoices and work in progress.
HR, retail and operations
Nmbrs, RetailSolutions, Virtuagym and RDW each offer their own operational dataset. Entities and resource constraints vary by connector.
Choose connector or export
OData fits with recurring innovation in Power BI or Excel. CSV is suitable for a defined, one-off check or transfer.
When do you choose OData for Power BI?
OData is especially strong when reporting more than once is necessary. A separate CSV export works for a check, but not for dashboards that need to be refreshed every week or every day. DigiData uses OData as a layer between source software and Power BI: the source API is synchronized according to the integration schedule and Power BI reads the available tables. You remain in control of the data model and schedule the Power BI refresh after the source sync.
| Scenario | Best approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dashboard | OData feed | Automatic refresh without manual files. |
| One-time check | CSV export | Share quickly and determine exactly which period will last. |
| Combine multiple sources | DigiData + Power BI model | Tables from accounting, CRM and projects remain consistent. |
Sources: Microsoft OData feed connector, Power BI data refresh and OData.org.
Examples of tables per source category
The exact tables differ per connector. Areas below help with choosing; only the entities on the connector page are considered supported.
| Data area | Sample tables | Reporting question |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Transactions, debtors, creditors | Where does turnover, margin or cash flow deviate? |
| Projects | Projects, hours, planning, invoices | Which projects run over hours or costs? |
| CRM and operations | Relationships, activities, orders, locations | Which customers, teams or regions's require attention? |
Available Power BI links
Each integration provides an OData feed that you can use directly in Power BI can load. Click on an integration for more details.
Popular Power BI manuals
Step-by-step explanation for loading, modeling and checking specific sources. Commercial connector information is on the integration pages.
Frequently asked questions about Power BI connections
What is an OData feed?
OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standard for sharing data via the web. Power BI supports OData natively, which means you can load data without additional software. DigiData delivers all your synchronized data as an OData feed.
How often is the data in Power BI updated?
DigiData synchronizes according to the planning of your integration. Then you set up a scheduled refresh in Power BI. So new records are only visible after both steps have been completed; the source API may limit availability.
Can I combine data from multiple systems in Power BI?
Yes. Each supported integration provides its own tables. In Power BI you can model tables from different feeds and combine them via relationships, for example Twinfield transactions with Bouw7 hours. Data modeling and definitions remain part of the Power BI report.
Does it also work with Excel?
Yes. In addition to Power BI, you can also use the OData feed in Excel via 'Get data'. In addition, DigiData offers CSV exports for each synchronized table.
Do I need technical knowledge?
A supported connector does not require you to write source API code. You configure the source in DigiData and the OData feed in Power BI. Power BI knowledge remains necessary for relationships, data types, measures and report design.
Ready to get your data into Power BI?
Test for 14 days for free whether the necessary source tables, synchronization and Power BI refresh work for your report.
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