Tableau Fundamentals and its Importance

Introduction

• Tableau: more than just a BI tool, it tells a story based on company data
• Course is aimed at beginners and covers all essential concepts to start with Tableau

Agenda

1. Basics of Data Visualization and Tableau
   • Importance of both data visualization and Tableau
2. Installation of Tableau Desktop Tool
3. Data Visualization using Tableau
   • Visual Perception
   • Incorporating visual perceptions in Tableau components
4. Charts and Graphs in Tableau
   • Enhancing data using charts and graphs
   • Incorporating into a single dashboard using Tableau Desktop
5. Data Aggregation in Tableau
   • Tableau Functions (Tableau's version of DAX)
   • Level of Detail (LOD)
   • Parameters in Tableau
   • Data Blending in Tableau
6. Career Aspects of Tableau
   • How to become a Tableau Developer: roles and responsibilities
7. Interview Questions based on Tableau

Data Visualization

• Representing data in pictorial form: graphs, bar diagrams, charts
• Simplifies understanding huge amounts of data
• Allows quick analysis and predictions
• Critical for solving business problems
• Tableau extensively used in BI

Example: Data Visualization

• Plot X and Y coordinates of points
• Data points look similar in numeric form but differ significantly when visualized
• Emphasizes the need for data visualization

Scope and Importance

• Visual analytics widely used: informational, geospatial, scientific analysis, data management, etc.
• Helps in better decision-making, risk assessment, customer relationships, strategic initiatives, and financial performance

How Data Visualization Works

1. Data Set: Text file, flat file, Excel sheet, server, database connection
2. Analysis: Using formulas and algorithms
3. Visualization: Charts, maps, graphs, etc.

Why Tableau?

• Flexible: Connects to various data sources like Excel, text, JSON files, servers (SQL, Oracle, AWS Redshift)
• Intuitive Platform: Considered gold standard for intuitive, interactive visual analysis
• Quick Production: Generates visualizations in seconds
• Enterprise Platform: Recognized leader in BI tools
• Continuous top ranking in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant

Tableau Desktop UI Overview

1. Connect to Data
   • Connect to files (Excel, text, JSON), servers
2. Tools and Operations
   • Dimensions (text data for detailing)
   • Measures (numeric data for aggregation)
   • Visualization settings: labels, tool tips, color, detail
   • Canvas and Workspace
3. Show Me Pane
   • Different chart options depending on data type
4. Common Visualizations
   • Bar Graphs and Line Graphs
   • Geographical Graphs
   • Heat Maps
   • Tree Maps
5. Functions in Tableau
   • Join, Union, Sort, Set Filters
   • Forecasting and Parameter Driven Visualizations
   • Designing visuals for different devices

Visual Analysis and Perception

• Data acquisition, filtering, enhancement, tuning, insight extraction, delivery
• Attention and Pre-attention: Exercises demonstrating visual vs numeric data interpretation
• Visualization Wheel: Understanding visual data access through well-defined, simple visualizations

Tableau Product Family

• Tableau Desktop: Self-service BI, interactive dashboards, real-time collaboration
• Tableau Server: Enterprise platform for publishing dashboards
• Tableau Online: Hosted version of Tableau Server
• Tableau Reader: Free desktop application for viewing dashboards

Interview Questions and Prep

1. General Knowledge of Tableau’s Tools and Operations
2. Examples of BI Tools and Visualization Methods
3. Data Aggregation and Level of Detail
4. Career Path of a Tableau Developer
5. Examples of Business Impacts Made by Tableau Usage
6. Real-life Data Visualization Examples and Exercises

Conclusion

• Importance of Visual Perception in Data Analysis
• Role of Intuitive Tools in Effective BI and Decision-Making
• Continuous Learning and Career Development in Tableau.