Tableau is the fastest-growing platform for visual analytics 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. It’s relied on by teachers, students, Data Scientists, Analysts, executives, and business owners for their end-to-end analytics needs. This is why Tableau is considered to be the leading analytics platform for business intelligence.

Since its founding in 2003, Tableau has evolved from a computer science project of students at Stanford into one of the most widely used data visualization tools in existence. Tableau was created as a way to improve analysis flow and use visualizations to make data more accessible. This value continues to inform Tableau’s evolution. Currently, Tableau offers a complete and integrated platform for data analytics. It provides its customers with the necessary resources to help them thrive in a data-driven culture.

Some of Tableau’s most remarkable features include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. Because Tableau does not require programming skills or technical expertise to operate, users of all backgrounds can easily work with this software. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.

The Tableau product suite is used by many companies, like Skype, Wells Fargo, Nike, and Coca-Cola, for their data visualization needs. In fact, thousands of companies and organizations use Tableau for their data analytic and visualization needs.

Tableau Products

There are currently eight kinds of Tableau available with different features, capabilities, and price points:

  • Tableau Server: A paid application designed for Windows or Linux servers that is commonly used in the world of enterprise.
  • Tableau Online: A paid application hosted by the Tableau software that allows users to access dashboards from anywhere. It offers most of the features of the Tableau server but isn’t on the internet.
  • Tableau Public Server: A free server onto which visualizations and ideas can be posted.
  • Tableau Desktop: A paid desktop application that enables developers to make dashboards, charts, and formulas.
  • Tableau Public Desktop: A free desktop application that provides only a cloud-save option rather than a live or database connection.
  • Tableau Reader: A free desktop application that is able to open dashboards and facilitate interaction with them, but does not allow users to edit formulas or charts.
  • Tableau Mobile: A mobile application for Android and iOS users that can connect to Tableau Online and Tableau Server.
  • Tableau Prep Builder: One of Tableau’s newest products. It is most commonly used to clean, blend, and wrangle raw data. In addition, it can be automated so that redundant manual data manipulation is avoided.

Tableau Applications for Data Analytics

For those passionate about analyzing and visualizing data, Tableau offers many benefits. Tableau users from various backgrounds, even those who have limited technical abilities, can work with its flexible front end features to perform basic go-to metrics as well as more complicated analytic techniques. This tool incorporates R and Python integration, predictive capabilities, rapid cohort analysis, and complex calculations so that Data Analysts and Data Scientists can execute nuanced quantitative analyses and then share the resulting visualizations.

Tableau’s dynamic software makes the process of using data to both ask and answer questions an intuitive one. The visuals that drive analysis allow users to continue to ask “Why?” even when this question grows in scope or complexity. In addition, sharing these visual results within a company, organization, or business can lead to more informed decision-making, greater collaboration, and more successful business outcomes.

Benefits of Using Tableau

There are many benefits to working with Tableau. This software:

  • Performs well on mobile devices
  • Can handle large amounts of data
  • Is able to connect to multiple data sources
  • Works with multiple scripting languages
  • Minimal hardware requirements/no need for a dedicated server
  • Reduces network traffic
  • Has a growing community and forum of dedicated users

Drawbacks to Using Tableau

Most Tableau users have a very positive and productive experience using Tableau. However, with the growing popularity of other data visualization tools, some users cite drawbacks to this particular suite of software, including:

  • Cost/inflexible pricing
  • Security issues
  • Lack of post-sale support
  • Limited BI capabilities

In order to decide if Tableau is right for your organization, and if so which version is the best, it’s important to keep in mind a few key considerations: How important is it for people on your team to be able to collaborate using Tableau? Do your employees have the necessary hardware to run the software? Does Tableau’s educational approach lend itself to your team’s learning style? And, is the cost in line with your corporate budget?

Ultimately, although there are alternatives to working with Tableau, it’s difficult to find software that matches its ease of use, simplicity, and the quality of its visual outputs.

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.