To identify surrogate key columns in a model whose Summarize By is not None, which tool should you use?

• A. DAX Formatter in DAX Studio
• B. Model Explorer in Microsoft Power BI Desktop
• C. Model View in Microsoft Power BI Desktop
• D. Best Practice Analyzer in Tabular Editor

Answer: (D)

Surrogate keys are identifying columns used to join tables in a dimensional model, and spotting them across a model is best done with a tool that analyzes design patterns rather than just shows data or formatting. Best Practice Analyzer in Tabular Editor includes checks specifically aimed at identifying surrogate key columns by inspecting properties like the Summarize By setting. When a column has Summarize By configured (not None), BPA can surface it as a candidate surrogate key, helping you recognize and validate these keys across the model.

The other tools aren’t designed for this kind of architectural check. DAX Formatter in DAX Studio focuses on formatting DAX code, not on model metadata or surrogate-key detection. Model Explorer and Model View in Power BI Desktop let you browse fields and relationships, but they don’t automatically flag surrogate-key candidates based on Summarize By behavior.