Date intelligence refers to a broad set of data modeling patterns and functions that enable analysis across time periods. Fundamental measures, such as Reseller Net Sales as created in Chapter 3, Building a Power BI Data Model, are supplemented with date intelligence measures to calculate Year-to-Date, Prior Period, and many other custom time period calculations. These measures are then used in combination to support growth and variance measures and are often utilized as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Power BI dashboards given their ability to convey additional context and insight. When implemented properly, date intelligence dramatically expands the analytical power of a data model and simplifies report and dashboard development.

This chapter contains three recipes for preparing a data model to support robust date intelligence and two recipes for authoring...