Tableau Essentials PLUS Training Course Description

Introduction and Overview

• Level Setting – Terminology
• Getting Started – creating some powerful visualizations quickly

Getting Started

• Connecting to data and introduction to data source concepts
• Working with data files versus database servers
• Data Types and Data Roles
• Dimensions versus Measures
• Discrete versus Continuous
• The meaning of pill colors
• Database Joins
• Data Blending
• Understanding the Tableau workspace
• Dimensions and Measures
• Using “Show Me”
• Tour of Shelves (How shelves and marks work)
• Building Basic Views
• Help Menu and Samples
• Saving and Sharing your work

Concepts and Options when Connecting to Data

• Overview of other connection options
• Joining multiple tables
• Data Blending
• Data Extracts
• Working with multiple connections in the same workbook

Analysis

• Creating Views
• Marks
• Size and Transparency
• Highlighting
• Working with Dates
• Combo Charts with different mark types
• Geographic Maps
• Paged Charts / Animated Charts
• Heat Maps
• Scatter Plots
• Bar Charts
• Working with aggregate versus disaggregate data
• Analyzing
• Sorting & Grouping
• Aliases
• Filtering and Quick Filters
• Crosstabs / Pivot Tables / Text Tables
• Totals and Subtotals
• Drilling and Drill Through
• Aggregation and Disaggregation
• Percent of Total
• Working with Statistics and Trendlines

Getting Started with Calculated Fields

• Working with String Functions
• Basic Arithmetic Calculations
• Working with Totals
• Custom Aggregations
• Logic Statements

Formatting

• Options in Formatting your Visualization
• Working with Labels and Annotations
• Effective Use of Titles and Captions
• Introduction to Visual Best Practices

Working with Parameters

• Parameter Basics
• Data types of parameters
• Using parameters in calculated fields
• Inputting parameter values and parameter control options
• Advanced Usage of Parameters
• Using parameters for titles, field selections and logic statements

Building Interactive Dashboards

• Combining multiple visualizations into a dashboard
• Making your worksheet interactive by using actions and filters
• An Introduction to Best Practices in Visualization
• Quick Filters
• Dashboard Objects
• Filter Actions
• Highlighting and Actions
• Performance

Sharing Workbooks

• Publish to Reader
• Packaged Workbooks
• Publish to PDF

Filtering, Sorting & Grouping

Filtering, Sorting and Grouping are fundamental concepts when working with and analyzing data. We will briefly review these topics as they apply to Tableau

• Advanced options for filtering and hiding
• The various types of filters and how and when each executes in sequence
• Data security considerations of specific filters
• Specific recommendations on how to use, or not to use, various filter options
• Understanding your many options for ordering and grouping your data: Sort, Groups, Bins, Sets
• The various types of sets and use cases for each
• Understanding how these options inter-relate

Working with Data

Working with Calculated Fields and Statistics – Earlier, we were introduced to some basic calculations. We will extend those concepts to understand the intricacies of manipulating data within Tableau

• A Quick Review of Basic Calculations
• Arithmetic Calculations
• Date Calculations
• Quick Table Calculations
• Custom Aggregations
• Custom Calculated Fields
• Logic and Conditional Calculations
• Conditional Filters
• Level of Detail Calculations
• Fixed LODs
• Include LODs
• Exclude LODs
• Advanced Table Calculations
• Understanding Partitioning and Addressing
• Differences between visual layout of data and results of table calculations
• Approaches for understanding what is happening in table calculations
• Calculate on Results of Table Calculations
• Complex Calculations
• Difference from Average
• Secondary Table Calculations
• Statistics
• Summary Stats
• Moving Averages
• From a fixed point
• In a rolling window
• Working with Dates and Times
• Continuous versus Discrete Dates
• Dates and Times
• Reference Dates

Best Practices in Formatting and Visualizing

• Formatting Tips
• Highlighting
• Labeling
• Legends

Where to get Further Assistance

• The Help File / Product Manual
• Knowledge base
• Forums
• Whitepapers & Books
• Further Training Offerings & Professional Services
• Technical Support