Power BI in the Field - The Right Technology for the Workfront

On today’s fast-paced construction sites, the question isn’t whether you need better data – it’s where and when you can get it. Good analytics help you prioritize the issues that need your attention most, and make good decisions when it matters. Power BI turns raw data into quickly-understood graphics, and it can bring that analysis to everyone at the workfront.

Power BI can absolutely work in the field, but success depends on understanding both what's practically useful for your team and what's technically possible. Last week, we covered what they need to see on the screen. This week, we’ll talk about the screen itself, and how to get stuff on it.

How to Get Power BI in the Field?

Hardware

Power BI is great on tablets – the number crunching is done in the cloud, so no need for a top-of-the-line device, just something with a bright screen and well padded. If you have any plans to be at heights, straps or tethers are a must to prevent dropped objects. You’ll want to keep both hands free while moving about – straps, backpacks, or big vest pockets would work. Of course, if you have Class 1 Div 1 areas on your site, you’ll obviously need (and likely already have) explosion proof devices.

Cellphones can work, but keep in mind the smaller screen makes it harder to see numbers and interact with the report. Make sure your developer knows if cellphone use is anticipated, so they can design accordingly – this usually means big text, big buttons, clear, optimized visuals, minimal scrolling, all on pages purpose-built for smaller screens.

PPE

If your site requires safety gloves on at all times, there are some with metallic threaded fingertips that will work on screens, allowing your workforce to stay compliant AND connected. Choices are limited though if you’re using really specialized gloves (e.g. for welding, high voltage, chemical, etc).

Software and Licensing

At its very basic, you can access Power BI reports through a web browser. It can also be embedded in other Microsoft applications such as Teams or SharePoint, or outside of Microsoft as part of ACC, Procore, or another PMIS.

Depending on your enterprise license, your team may already have access to Power BI. AT its most basic, each user will require a Power BI Pro license ($14 per user per month, as of Q3 2025). Work with your IT team to determine what’s needed.

If Power BI is used through another app (e.g. ACC, Procore, or another PMIS), you’ll need separate licenses for each… your IT team will know the details.

Network

Wi-Fi or cell service is a must-have. This is needed to access Power BI Service through a browser, or through another app (e.g. Procore or ACC).

While the Power BI app does support working offline, the user does need to load each page they intend to use before going out to the field each time. Forgetting to do so would mean stale or missing reports. Since that calls for an unrealistically meticulous user, I would disregard this as a viable option.

Security

Only authorized users can see the Power BI reports. You can assign reports that are only visible to certain members of your team (e.g. reports that include wage rates are restricted), and users can be set up to only see data for their own project / area / department / etc.

Report Development

The last piece of the puzzle is to pull your raw data into Power BI, and math the heck out of it. This is where the real magic happens, and determines how much value you can truly get from this effort. We covered the “what” in more detail last week.

It’s important to point out that Power BI works best when it complements—not complicates—existing workflows. Your crew won't abandon their clipboards overnight. Start with one simple dashboard that solves a real daily pain point, then build from there.

Ready for Power BI on the go?

Do you think your data can bring more value at the workfront? Want to give your team the tools they need to spend more time in the field, and less in the site office? Let's talk.

I build custom Power BI solutions so your team knows what it needs to keep the project on time and on budget. Contact me today to see how you can get the right data into their hands.