Using (or not using) tabular KPIs

You can create KPIs in the tabular model. They work like KPIs in the multidimensional model. Here is the MSDN tutorial on creating KPIs in case you are interested in the details.

There's a bug in SQL Server 2012 in the SSDT designer. Those icons at the bottom of the KPI dialog box do not work. You see the ordinary red, yellow, and green icons for the KPI status regardless of the icon set you choose (note: the icons work fine in PowerPivot). Also, you cannot specify an expression for KPI trends. The trend field is exposed in the field list, but it is always an arrow across.