What does "real-time data" signify in Power BI?

Real-time data in Power BI refers to information that is updated immediately or with very high frequency, allowing users to see the most current data as it becomes available. This is particularly valuable for scenarios where timely insights are crucial, such as monitoring live transactions, market movements, or operational activities. With real-time data capabilities, Power BI enables dashboards and reports to reflect changes as they happen, providing stakeholders with the ability to make informed decisions based on the latest information.

In contrast, data that is archived for historical analysis focuses on past data, and doesn't reflect ongoing changes, making it unsuitable for real-time decision-making. Similarly, data that is updated weekly does not meet the criteria for real-time access, as it lacks the immediacy that is essential for real-time applications. Lastly, data that is manually refreshed by the user does not provide the seamless, instantaneous updates associated with real-time data, since it relies on user intervention rather than automated updates.

Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the importance of real-time data for active monitoring and analysis within Power BI.