# Hierarchical Access Model for Power BI Workspaces
In the realm of data management and business intelligence, the delineation of access across various tiers of users is paramount for both security and functional clarity. The diagram presented visualizes a concentric model of user access within Power BI workspaces, which is categorized into four main groups:
**1. COE Members:**
At the core of this model are the Center of Excellence (COE) Members. These individuals possess the most comprehensive access to the workspace, engaging deeply with all aspects of the BI content from creation to management. They are the architects of the BI strategy, ensuring the integrity and security of the data models and the overarching BI environment.
**2. Unified COE Members:**
The next layer extends to the Unified COE Members, who are likely specialists collaborating closely with the core COE team. They are responsible for advancing the BI initiatives, driving the development of analytics, and performing intricate collaborations such as data modeling and report generation. Their access is extensive but slightly less than the core COE Members, focusing on specialized BI tasks.
**3. Federated Users:**
Moving outward, Federated Users are typically representatives from various business units who have been granted access to the workspace to contribute and collaborate on specific BI projects. Their focus is on leveraging the centralized BI assets to create tailored reports and dashboards that serve the unique needs of their respective departments. Their engagement is more collaborative, with a focus on customization and localized insight generation.
**4. Business Users:**
The outermost ring represents the Business Users. This broad group primarily interacts with the BI workspace in a viewing capacity. They utilize the insights generated by the inner circles, applying the data to make informed decisions within their business contexts. Their interaction with the workspace is predominantly through consumption of finalized reports and dashboards.
**Access Dynamics:**
The vertical axis represents the scope of workspace usage, with 'Viewing' at the top and 'Collaboration' at the bottom. As we move from the center of the circles to the outer layers, the level of active collaboration decreases while the level of content viewing increases. COE Members, being at the core, are highly collaborative and less involved in the viewing of finalized content. Conversely, Business Users at the periphery are mostly viewers of the content and less involved in its creation or collaboration processes.
The hierarchical access model for Power BI workspaces provides a clear framework that can be directly translated into a robust access policy for Business Intelligence (BI) systems. Formulating such a policy involves setting clear guidelines on the permissions and responsibilities for each user group. Here's how this model can facilitate the creation of an access policy:
1. **Define User Roles and Permissions:**
- **COE Members**: Given the most comprehensive access, including the ability to change data models, manage users, and alter permissions. They act as administrators within the BI environment.
- **Unified COE Members**: Provided with advanced permissions that include developing and editing content, but may have restricted access to certain administrative functionalities to prevent conflicts with the core COE strategies.
- **Federated Users**: Allowed to create and manage content within a specific scope, usually tied to their business unit’s objectives. They can collaborate on shared workspaces but may not have the ability to publish or alter the core data models.
- **Business Users**: Granted read-only access to consume finalized reports and dashboards for decision-making purposes. They can interact with the BI content via viewing or commenting but cannot alter the underlying data or structures.
2. **Implement Access Control Mechanisms:**
- Use role-based access control (RBAC) within the BI tool to map these roles to the corresponding permissions.
- Establish authentication protocols to ensure that users can only access the system with verified credentials.
3. **Develop Governance Protocols:**
- COE Members are responsible for maintaining the governance framework, including compliance with data privacy regulations and internal data security policies.
- Unified COE and Federated Users must adhere to established data standards and governance rules when creating or modifying content.
4. **Create Collaboration Guidelines:**
- Policies should clarify how different user groups collaborate within the BI environment, specifying which tools and methods are to be used for shared development efforts.
5. **Outline Training and Support Structures:**
- Determine the training requirements for each user group to ensure they understand their roles and how to effectively use the BI tools.
- Provide ongoing support and resources for users to stay updated on BI best practices and system updates.
6. **Establish Accountability and Audit Trails:**
- Maintain logs of user activities within the BI system to track changes and ensure accountability.
- Regularly audit access levels and permissions to ensure they align with users' current roles and responsibilities.
7. **Review and Update the Access Policy Regularly:**
- BI needs and organizational structures evolve, so it's essential to regularly review and update the access policy to reflect any changes in roles, responsibilities, or BI tools.
By following these guidelines, an organization can create a comprehensive access policy that leverages the hierarchical access model to ensure data security, enhance collaboration, and streamline the decision-making process. This policy will not only define how users interact with the BI system but also protect the integrity of the data and the insights derived from it.