SSAS – SQL Server Analysis Services

Module 1: SSAS Overview & Deployment Modes

• SSAS Multidimensional vs Tabular: choosing the right model
• SSAS architecture: Analysis Services engine, XMLA, MDX/DAX
• SQL Server Data Tools: SSAS project setup
• Tabular model database and workspace server
• Multidimensional model: cubes, dimensions, and measures
• SSAS certification and Azure Analysis Services overview

Module 2: Tabular Model – Data Modelling

• Tabular model structure: tables, columns, relationships
• Power Query in SSAS: data import and transformation
• Star schema design in tabular models
• Relationship types: one-to-many, many-to-many
• Calculated columns: row context expressions
• Hiding columns and tables for clean client views

Module 3: DAX – Data Analysis Expressions

• DAX fundamentals: measures vs calculated columns
• Basic aggregation measures: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT
• Time intelligence functions: TOTALYTD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR
• CALCULATE: the core filter-modifying function
• FILTER, ALL, ALLEXCEPT: filter context manipulation
• Variables: VAR for readable, efficient DAX

Module 4: Advanced DAX

• RANKX: ranking within filter context
• TOPN: top-N rows for rankings and leaderboards
• Iterator functions: SUMX, AVERAGEX, MAXX
• Parent-child hierarchies with PATH functions
• Semi-additive measures: balance and snapshot patterns
• Performance profiling DAX with DAX Studio

Module 5: Multidimensional Model

• Data Source View: relational layer for cube design
• Cube structure: measure groups and dimensions
• Dimension types: time, geography, account
• Attribute relationships: optimising dimension hierarchy
• MDX basics: SELECT, FROM, WHERE in MDX queries
• Named sets and calculated members in MDX

Module 6: KPIs, Perspectives & Translations

• KPI definition: value, goal, status, and trend expressions
• Perspectives: filtered views for different user groups
• Translations: multi-language labels for global deployments
• Partitions: segmenting large measure groups
• Aggregations: pre-calculated aggregates for query speed
• Proactive caching for near real-time MOLAP

Module 7: Processing & Security

• Processing modes: Full, Incremental, Update, Clear
• Scheduled processing with SSAS XMLA scripts
• SQL Server Agent jobs for automated processing
• Role-based security: database and cube roles
• Dimension data security: cell-level security
• Row-level security in Tabular models

Module 8: Deployment, Monitoring & Azure AS

• Deploying SSAS projects to production servers
• Backup and restore of SSAS databases
• SSAS performance monitoring: Extended Events
• Azure Analysis Services: PaaS tabular models
• Power BI Premium: XMLA endpoint for AS models
• Migration from Multidimensional to Tabular

Our SSAS instructors are Microsoft-certified BI architects with deep expertise in both Tabular and Multidimensional modelling. They have designed SSAS cubes and tabular models powering executive dashboards, financial reporting, and operational analytics across banking, retail, and manufacturing — with advanced DAX and MDX proficiency.