Learning Tableau 10: Edition 2

Joshua N. Milligan

Sep 2016 · Packt Publishing Ltd

About this ebook

Learn how to create effective data visualizations with Tableau and unlock a smarter approach to business analytics. It might just transform your organizationAbout This BookCreate stylish visualizations and dashboards that explain complexity with clarityLearn effective data storytelling to transform how your business uses ideas and makes decisionsExplore all the new features in Tableau 10 and start to redefine what business analytics means to your organizationWho This Book Is For

Got data? Not sure what to make of it? This is the guide for you – whether you've been working with Tableau for years or are just beginning your adventure into business analytics.

What You Will LearnFind out how to build effective visualizations and dashboardsPrepare and clean your data so you can be sure Tableau is finding answers to your questions – not raising more problemsDiscover how to create advanced visualizations that explain complexity with clarity and styleDig deeper into your data with clustering and distribution models that allow you to analyze trends and make forecastsLearn how to use data storytelling to aid decision-making and strategyShare dashboards and visualizations to cultivate a culture where data is available and valuedIn Detail

Tableau has for some time been one of the most popular Business Intelligence and data visualization tools available. Why? Because, quite simply, it's a tool that's responsive to the needs of modern businesses. But it's most effective when you know how to get what you want from it – it might make your business intelligent, but it isn't going to make you intelligent...

We'll make sure you're well prepared to take full advantage of Tableau 10's new features. Whether you're an experienced data analyst that wants to explore 2016's new Tableau, or you're a beginner that wants to expand their skillset and bring a more professional and sharper approach to their organization, we've got you covered. Beginning with the fundamentals, such as data preparation, you'll soon learn how to build and customize your own data visualizations and dashboards, essential for high-level visibility and effective data storytelling. You'll also find out how to so trend analysis and forecasting using clustering and distribution models to inform your analytics.

But it's not just about you – when it comes to data it's all about availability and access. That's why we'll show you how to share your Tableau visualizations. It's only once insights are shared and communicated that you – and your organization – will start making smarter and informed decisions. And really, that's exactly what this guide is for.

Style and approach

Practical yet comprehensive, this Tableau guide takes you from the fundamentals of the tool before diving deeper into creating advanced visualizations. Covering the latest features found in Tableau 10, this might be the guide that transforms your organization.

About the author

Joshua N. Milligan has been with Teknion Data Solutions since 2004 and currently serves as a Principal Consultant. With a strong background in software development and custom.NET solutions, he brings a blend of analytical and creative thinking to BI solutions, data visualization, and data storytelling. His years of consulting have given Joshua hands on experience with all aspects of the BI development cycle from data modeling, ETL, enterprise deployment, data visualization, and dashboard design. He has worked with clients in numerous industries including financial, energy, healthcare, marketing, government, and services. Joshua has been named by Tableau as a Tableau Zen Master every year since 2014. This places Joshua in a group of individuals recognized by Tableau as not only masters of the tool but also who have a deep desire to teach and help others. As a Tableau Ambassador, trainer, mentor, and leader in the online Tableau community, Joshua is passionate about helping others gain insights from their data. He frequently broadcasts webinars to educate and inform the Tableau community and the world at large about the wonders of Tableau, and is a much sought after featured speaker at Tableau conferences, user groups and various technology and industry functions. He thrives on helping others. Joshua is the author of the first edition of Learning Tableau, which quickly became one of the highest acclaimed Tableau books for users at all levels. He was a technical reviewer of the Tableau Data Visualization Cookbook, Creating Data Stories with Tableau Public, and his work has been featured multiple times on Tableau Public's Viz of the Day and Tableau's website. He also shares frequent Tableau tips, tricks, and advice along with a variety of dashboards on his fun and creative blog site, VizPainter.com. You can follow Joshua on Twitter at @VizPainter.