#PowerPlatformTip 113 – ‘Combine Multiple Data Sources’

💡 Challenge

Combining multiple data sources, including static data, into a single Power Apps project can be challenging. Merging multiple data sources with static data in Power Apps can create complexity in your app’s data management.

✅ Solution

Use the Ungroup function to merge different data types into a unified, flat table structure, enhancing data interaction and usability.

🔧 How It’s Done

Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine Data Sources: Mix static and dynamic data in an array.
   🔸 Create an array including objects with local static entries and tables from sources.
   🔸 Ensure the property name (e.g., locItem) is common across objects.
2. Simplify Structure: Apply the Ungroup function to flatten complex data arrays into a single manageable format.
   🔸 Specify the common nested property as the target to ungroup (e.g., locItem).
   🔸 Confirm results return a flat table with all items.

powerapps Ungroup( [ // Object 1 {locItem:[{Date: Today(), ID:0}]},

  // Object 2
  {locItem: DelegationPlayground}    ],    // The 'locItem' property is specified as the common property to ungroup    locItem )

🎉 Result

A streamlined, efficient data structure that is easier to manage and query, boosting app performance and user experience.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Facilitates the integration of disparate data sources.
🔸 Simplifies querying and data manipulation within the app.
🔸 Enhances overall application efficiency and maintainability.

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🎥 Video Tutorial

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🛠️ FAQ

1. What is the main purpose of the Ungroup function in Power Apps?
It flattens nested tables or collections into a single level by ungrouping a specific nested property, making mixed data sources easier to work with.

2. Can I use other functions to merge static and dynamic data?
Yes, you can also use the Table function, but Ungroup provides more flexibility when combining different data sources into one structure.

3. Is Ungroup delegable with large data sets?
Ungroup itself isn’t delegable; however, it works effectively on locally loaded collections or static data after data is retrieved from delegable sources.