#PowerPlatformTip 113: ‘Combine Multiple Data Sources’

TL;DR: Merge static and dynamic data in Power Apps into one flat table using the Ungroup function.

💡 Challenge

Combining multiple data sources, including hard-coded static data, into a single Power Apps structure adds real complexity to your app’s data management.

✅ Solution

Use the Ungroup function to flatten different data types into one unified table, making the data easier to interact with and use.

🔧 How It’s Done

1. Combine the sources into an array mixing static and dynamic data.

🔸 Build an array of objects containing local static entries and tables from your data sources.

🔸 Use a common property name (e.g. locItem) across all objects.

2. Flatten with Ungroup.

🔸 Specify the common nested property (locItem) as the one to ungroup.

🔸 The result is a single flat table containing all items.

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

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

🎉 Result

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

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Integrates disparate data sources into one structure.

🔸 Simplifies querying and data manipulation in the app.

🔸 Improves overall 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 gives more flexibility when combining different sources into one structure.

3. Is Ungroup delegable with large data sets? Ungroup itself isn’t delegable, but it works well on locally loaded collections or static data after the data has been retrieved from delegable sources.

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