Learning Tableau 10, 2nd Edition

Key Features

• Create stylish visualizations and dashboards that explain complexity with clarity
• Learn effective data storytelling to transform how your business uses ideas and makes decisions
• Explore all the new features in Tableau 10 and start to redefine what business analytics means to your organization

Book Description

Tableau has for some time been one of the most popular Business Intelligence and data visualization tools available. Why? Because, quite simply, it’s a tool that’s responsive to the needs of modern businesses. But it’s most effective when you know how to get what you want from it – it might make your business intelligent, but it isn’t going to make you intelligent.

We’ll make sure you’re well prepared to take full advantage of Tableau 10’s new features. Whether you’re an experienced data analyst that wants to explore 2016’s new Tableau, or you’re a beginner that wants to expand their skillset and bring a more professional and sharper approach to their organization, we’ve got you covered. Beginning with the fundamentals, such as data preparation, you’ll soon learn how to build and customize your own data visualizations and dashboards, essential for high-level visibility and effective data storytelling. You’ll also find out how to so trend analysis and forecasting using clustering and distribution models to inform your analytics.

But it’s not just about you – when it comes to data it’s all about availability and access. That’s why we’ll show you how to share your Tableau visualizations. It’s only once insights are shared and communicated that you – and your organization – will start making smarter and informed decisions. And really, that’s exactly what this guide is for.

What you will learn

• Find out how to build effective visualizations and dashboards
• Prepare and clean your data so you can be sure Tableau is finding answers to your questions – not raising more problems
• Discover how to create advanced visualizations that explain complexity with clarity and style
• Dig deeper into your data with clustering and distribution models that allow you to analyze trends and make forecasts
• Learn how to use data storytelling to aid decision-making and strategy
• Share dashboards and visualizations to cultivate a culture where data is available and valued

About the Author

Joshua Milligan has been with Teknion Data Solutions since 2004 and currently serves as a principal consultant. With a strong background in software development and custom .NET solutions, he brings a blend of analytical and creative thinking to BI solutions, data visualization, and data storytelling. His years of consulting have given Joshua hands-on experience with all aspects of the BI development cycle from data modeling, ETL, enterprise deployment, data visualization, and dashboard design. He has worked with clients in numerous industries including financial, healthcare, marketing, government, and services.

In 2014 and again in 2015, Joshua was named Tableau Zen Master, the highest recognition of excellence from Tableau Software. As a Tableau trainer, mentor, and leader in the online Tableau community, he is passionate about helping others gain insights from their data. He was a technical reviewer of the Tableau Data Visualization Cookbook and his work has been featured multiple times on Tableau Public’s Viz of the Day and Tableau’s website. He also shares frequent Tableau tips, tricks, and advice on his blog VizPainter.com. He is the author of Learning Tableau.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Creating Your First Visualizations and Dashboard
Chapter 2. Working with Data in Tableau
Chapter 3. Moving from Foundational to More Advanced Visualizations
Chapter 4. Using Row-Level, Aggregate, and Level of Detail Calculations
Chapter 5. Table Calculations
Chapter 6. Formatting a Visualization to Look Great and Work Well
Chapter 7. Telling a Data Story with Dashboards
Chapter 8. Deeper Analysis – Trends, Clustering, Distributions, and Forecasting
Chapter 9. Making Data Work for You
Chapter 10. Advanced Visualizations, Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
Chapter 11. Sharing Your Data Story