Tableau is very flexible and efficient – it does not require long and complicated preparatory work. But there are a few things to remember:
- 1. VizQL technology, used in Tableau, gives the possibility to go directly from data to visual analysis. So don’t approach Tableau like you did with Excel, don’t start by moving “one to one” your current reports from Excel to Tableau. It will be a lot of work, and the effect may not be very interesting. Instead of that:
- 2. We always ask our clients 2 questions:
- What do you think your data look like?
- What do you want to know from them?
The point of implementing Tableau is to make sure that the DATA tells the story. It’s not about their static presentation – the analyses are to be clear, efficient, functional, useful and… beautiful! Always check if they are like that!
- 3. Remember good practice in working with data.
- 4. Remember the number of Miller – the “magic number 7”. There is so much information that we can assimilate and interpret at once. Don’t overload your analysis with too much information – remember about the possibilities offered by linking dashboards with actions or using storytelling technique!
- 5. Remember the “Z-rule” – place the analysis elements on the dashboard according to how our eye scans information – start from the top left corner.
- 6. Use colors sparingly – remember that our brain subconsciously groups objects by colour. Do not introduce colors where they do not provide additional information, as in the example below:
- 7. Start with smaller tasks and gradually implement larger ones – we will support you in this during the Operational Assistance.
- 8. Thus, reduce the risk! You don’t have to start with an extended Tableau configuration – usually 2-3 Tableau Desktop licenses and a few days of workshops are enough to start with. Then you can expand your configuration.
- 9. Consult us on the form of your data – perhaps a few simple operations are enough to make the analysis of your data much more convenient and quicker!
- 10. Enjoy what you do! Data analysis in Tableau is just… cool and interesting! Is yours too?
See also Proof of Concept
