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Semantic model discoverability

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Discoverability is a feature that makes it possible for users to find endorsed semantic models that they don't have access to. Without discoverability, the full value of endorsement, that is, directing users to quality data, isn't fully realized.

Discoverability overview

Endorsement is a way of telling users that a semantic model is a trusted, quality source of data that they can safely use. However, in Power BI, endorsed semantic models, like all other semantic models, are only visible to users who have access to them. This makes it difficult for people without access to find these trusted sources of data. Not only do they not have access to an endorsed semantic model, they don't know it exists, so they can't even request access.

To overcome this problem, authorized users who have an Admin or Member role in the workspace where an endorsed semantic model resides can mark that semantic model as discoverable. After the semantic model has been marked as discoverable, it will be listed in the data hub, even for users who don't have access to it. They can then request build permission on the semantic model by whatever access request mechanism is provided.

To be operable in an organization, semantic model discovery must be set up by a Power BI administrator. See How to set up semantic model discoverability in an organization.

How to mark a semantic model as discoverable

If you have an Admin or Member role in the workspace where an endorsed semantic model resides, you can mark that semantic model as discoverable.

  1. Go to semantic model settings and open the Endorsement and discovery section.

  2. In the dialog, select the Make discoverable checkbox. The checkbox will only be active if the semantic model is promoted or certified.

    Screenshot of the Make discoverable checkbox under semantic model settings.

When a semantic model is marked as discoverable, users who don't yet have access to it can find it in the OneLake data hub and request access to it.

How to set up semantic model discovery in an organization

You must be a Power BI administrator to set up semantic model discoverability in your organization.

Go to Admin portal > Tenant settings > Discovery settings and configure the following settings:

  • Make promoted content discoverable: When you enable this setting, users you specify who have sufficient permissions to promote content can also mark that content as discoverable. You can also specify users and/or groups to exclude from the permitted, specified groups.

  • Make certified content discoverable: When you enable this setting, users you specify who are authorized to certify content can also mark that content as discoverable. You can also specify users and/or groups to exclude from the permitted, specified groups.

  • Discover content: When you enable this setting, users you specify can find endorsed content that's marked as discoverable, even if they don't yet have access to it. You can also specify users and/or groups to exclude from the permitted, specified groups.

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