Daily DAX : Day 173 INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS

 The INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS function in Power BI's Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is part of the family of INFO functions introduced to provide metadata about a semantic model. Specifically, INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS retrieves information about artifacts (such as tables, columns, or measures) that have been excluded from the model, typically due to security settings, model design decisions, or other configurations.

Syntax

INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS()

    This function does not take any parameters.

    It returns a table containing details about the excluded artifacts in the current semantic model.

Return Value

The function returns a table with columns that describe the excluded artifacts. While the exact column names and structure might depend on the Power BI version and context, typical columns could include:

    Artifact Type: Indicates the type of artifact excluded (e.g., table, column, measure).

    Name: The name of the excluded artifact.

    Reason: The reason for exclusion (e.g., security restrictions, model optimization).

    ID: A unique identifier for the artifact, if applicable.

Since this is a relatively new function (part of the INFO suite introduced with updates like DAX query view in late 2023), the precise output might evolve, so checking the latest Power BI documentation or experimenting in DAX Query View is recommended.

Use Case

The primary use case for INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS is model auditing and troubleshooting. It helps developers and administrators understand which parts of a semantic model are not accessible or included in the current context, which can be critical for:

    Security Validation: Ensuring that row-level security (RLS) or object-level security settings are correctly hiding sensitive data as intended.

    Model Optimization: Identifying artifacts excluded due to performance optimizations or design choices, allowing you to refine the model.

    Debugging: Investigating why certain data isn’t appearing in reports or calculations by checking if it’s been excluded.

Practical Example

Imagine you’re working on a Power BI report where a specific table or column isn’t showing up in your visuals, despite being present in the source data. You suspect it might be excluded due to a security rule or an import filter. You can write a DAX query like this in DAX Query View:

EVALUATE

INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS()

Running this query returns a table listing all excluded artifacts. For instance, the result might show:

    Artifact Type: Column

    Name: Sales[CustomerSSN]

    Reason: Security

This tells you that the CustomerSSN column in the Sales table was excluded, likely due to a security policy, helping you confirm the behavior and adjust your report or model accordingly.

When to Use It

    Security Audits: Verify that sensitive data is properly excluded from user access.

    Model Documentation: Generate a record of what’s intentionally left out of the model for compliance or governance purposes.

    Collaboration: Share insights with team members about why certain data isn’t available in the model.

Limitations

    Context Dependency: The results depend on the current user’s permissions and the model’s configuration at the time of execution.

    DirectQuery Mode: Some INFO functions might have limited support in DirectQuery mode, so test this in your specific environment.

    No Modification: This function only retrieves information—it doesn’t allow you to change what’s excluded.

In summary, INFO.EXCLUDEDARTIFACTS is a powerful tool for gaining visibility into the hidden aspects of your Power BI model, making it invaluable for managing complex datasets and ensuring compliance with security or design requirements. To explore its output in your own model, try running it in DAX Query View and analyze the results based on your specific setup!