How Can You Collaborate Using Tableau?

What is Tableau?

Tableau is the leading analytics platform for business intelligence on the market. It allows users to simplify raw data into a format that’s easy to access and understand by those working at any level of an organization. Even non-technical Tableau users can create customized dashboards and worksheets with the help of this versatile tool. Some of Tableau’s most remarkable features include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.

Those working with Tableau often collaborate with others within a company or organization in order to gather, visualize, and present the most pertinent data findings in the most accessible way. Often, this process requires customizing Tableau deployment so that those working with it within an organization are able to make the best use of the platform. A helpful method for doing so is to streamline the communication and follow-up process in order to improve overall workflow.

This article will provide some tips for how to effectively collaborate with others using Tableau in order to create an effective data visualization that can be shared with all relevant stakeholders.

Tips for Collaborating with Tableau

Collaboration can be challenging when working with data analytics and data visualization. Balancing the progress of two or more individuals on collaborative projects, as well as ensuring that work is not repeated, deadlines are met, and new insights are being incorporated is no easy task. However, collaboration plays a crucial role in the analytics process.

Many Data Analysts working with Tableau collaborate regularly with one or more other Data Analysts throughout the analysis and visualization process. The following are some best practices to keep in mind when working collaboratively in Tableau:

• Create a “collaboration kit.” Because Tableau does not allow users to simultaneously create and save work in one workbook, those needing to collaborate must find a different option. Some Tableau users elect for a simple solution to this problem, such as using email exchanges to connect with collaborators during the process, or applying advanced settings in a Slack or GitHub channel for tracking changes. Other users elect to create a Google Drive folder in which working files and data are stored in real-time. This approach allows both collaborators to see the edits that have been made, and even revert to previous versions if needed.
• Establish a timeline. An important first step when collaborating on a data analytics process is to determine a timeline for its completion. Having a deadline for when the dashboard must be finished provides a definite endpoint by which progress can be evaluated periodically. It ensures that all collaborators take measures to be on track to finish work by this time. Checkpoints along the way when steps in the process are complete are a helpful practice for all working on a project. In addition, if any collaborator wishes to change the timeline, communicating with all those involved as early on as possible is important for smooth project completion.
• Begin with a driving concept or question. The most powerful data visualizations seek to answer a central research question. It may be helpful at this stage to create a Google Doc to which all collaborators will have access to in order for them to jot questions that spark their interest. The most useful questions involve whittling down a general topic or driving questions into a more narrow focus so that it’s clear what data is essential to tell this particular story. When multiple research questions are listed in the Doc, the collaborators can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each to help establish a single, strong research question.
• Establish a method for gathering data. This process may involve discussing which collaborator has access to which type of data and working from there.
• Set up a “collaboration folder” where all data and research can be stored in a central location.
• Regular feedback is essential to a strong final product. It’s important that collaborators feel free to share their impressions and suggestions with one another, especially early on in the project. Making changes in the earlier stages is often easier and less time-consuming than altering dashboards later on. By regularly sharing progress, those working on a data analytics project can make sure that the direction they are envisioning for the final product is in keeping with the version that is being created.
• Work on a dashboard outline that depicts the story you wish to tell. Initially, it’s best to do this within a Google Doc rather than to launch right into designing. By having all collaborators separately outline the story, then share their work, more ideas can be brought to the table that will fuel better dashboard depictions. During this outlining stage, collaborators can also decide on which chart type is preferable for depicting their insights. In addition, data can be loaded into Tableau during this phase of work to help inform outline creation.
• With regard to communication patterns between partners, it’s better to lean more toward over-communicating rather than under-communicating. Sending one another regular Slack messages or some other form of communication can help ensure that all collaborators are actively engaged with the project and that multiple versions don’t have to be consolidated at a late stage.
• Make your collaboration process as inclusive as possible. One of the obstacles to successful collaboration is when one person involved with a project competes with the others. To help your data collaboration process be as inclusive as possible, it’s essential to consider those with different viewpoints, professional backgrounds, and skillsets when imparting essential data insights.

In addition to the above-mentioned tips for using Tableau for collaboration, this platform also has some built-in collaborative features, such as data source recommendations, web editing, and web authoring, that help provide all platform users with the opportunity to interact collaboratively with data. In addition, when those using Tableau Online or Tableau Server publish a dashboard, others within their organization can see it in just seconds. This collaborative format provides a great opportunity for different team members to raise questions based on the insights you are presenting, and to make better-informed decisions.

Hands-On Tableau Classes

For those who want to learn how to create stunning and engaging data visualizations, maps, charts, and graphs, Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes provide a great option. These small group classes are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. These Tableau-focused courses teach students skills like how to spot the most optimal datasets to connect to, as well as how to analyze, filter, structure, and visually represent data.

In addition, a variety of live online Tableau courses are also currently available from top training providers. These interactive classes are taught in real-time and provide all learners with access to an instructor who is live and ready to provide feedback and answer questions. Courses range from seven hours to five days in duration and cost $299-$2,199.

Those who are interested in finding nearby Tableau classes can use Noble’s Tableau Classes Near Me tool. This handy tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than three dozen of the best Tableau classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats so that all interested learners can find the course that works best for them.