5 Reasons for Joining a Tableau User Group: Building Community, Skills, and Connections

Joining a Tableau User Group: A fun photo of Tableau #datarockstars
Joining a Tableau User Group: A fun photo of Tableau #datarockstars

Joining a Tableau User Group (TUG) is more than just participating in a community; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth. In this post, we’ll explore the five compelling reasons for joining a Tableau User Group and how it can enhance your experience with Tableau. From the moment I started using Tableau at CERN (read about my Tableau experience at CERN here), I realized the importance of community in mastering this robust tool.

1. The Value of Joining a Tableau User Group: Community and Collaboration

The Tableau community is one of the biggest differentiators between Tableau and the rest of the market. It’s not just about technology; it’s about ensuring the larger community is successful with it. I was able to start using Tableau at CERN in just three days, thanks to this passionate community. With a simple Google search, you can get answers to your Tableau questions in seconds. This network of users is committed to helping each other succeed.

2. What Happens at a TUG? Learn, Share, and Network

TUGs offer a variety of activities, ranging from customer speakers demonstrating Tableau usage to hands-on training and competitions. You can learn new tips ’n‘ tricks, share your experiences, and network with other Tableau enthusiasts. Whether you’re facing daily Tableau struggles or looking for new insights, TUGs are welcoming platforms for collaboration and learning. Plus, there’s often pizza and beverages to enjoy!

3. Getting Involved: How to Connect with Your Local Tableau User Group

Getting involved in a TUG is easy. Follow @Tableau and @xlth on Twitter, keep an eye on relevant hashtags, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance. You can also become a speaker, sharing your data journey or work experience. Check the Tableau events page or contact your Tableau account manager to find a TUG near you.

4. Bring a Friend and Build Connections

TUGs are not only professional gatherings; they’re social and networking events too. You can bring a friend for support or make new friends easily within the community. Engage in social projects, participate in hashtags like #MakeoverMonday, and discover more events like Data+Women or The Tableau Fringe Festival. The possibilities for connection and collaboration are endless.

5. Embrace the Community Spirit

Don’t hesitate to join the Tableau community. It’s a group of interesting, knowledgeable people all using the same tool and facing the same challenges. There’s much to learn and many people to meet. Join our Tableau User Groups and become a part of this thriving community.

Stay Connected: Follow Me for More Insights

The experiences we’ve shared in the Tableau community have shaped us, and I’m grateful for every connection and collaboration. If you’re interested in diving deeper into data visualization, don’t miss my book, Visual Analytics with Tableau. It’s designed to help you master the art of data visualization with Tableau, no matter your experience level. 📚 Explore „Visual Analytics with Tableau“ (Amazon) and let’s turn data into insights together!

I invite you to join our ongoing conversation about Tableau, data visualization, and more. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

#data19 Visual Diary: Tableau Conference Europe 2019 in Berlin

Let me share some of my favorite #data19 impressions from Tableau Conference Europe 2019 in Berlin with you (like I did for TC18 in NOLA last year)!

Sunday, 16 June

Arriving in Berlin

Monday, 17 June

Viz for Social Good

Makeover Monday

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, 18 June

Opening Keynote

Data Village | Diversity and Inclusion

Customer Session | Digital Journey of Deutsche Bahn

Data Night Out

Wednesday, 19 June

Tableau Public booth

Customer Session | Leveraging Social Media at Commerzbank

Data Village

Goodbye

What are your #data19 highlights?

Share your favorite moments in the blog post comments or reply to this tweet:

Visual Analytics with Tableau: Book is in Stock again

Visual Analytics with Tableau on Amazon screenshot
Visual Analytics with Tableau is on stock again: Screenshot shows availability on amazon.com

Did you get your Tableau Conference Europe 2019 ticket and now need something to read for the journey?

Then I have some good news: Right on time, just a few weeks before TCE19, my new book Visual Analytics with Tableau is in stock again:

As you know from my previous Tableau Conference sessions and blog posts (TC18, TC17, TC16), I love social media! So thank you for your likes, shares, retweets…

Instagram ❤️

Twitter ❤️

Facebook ❤️

LinkedIn ❤️

Visual Analytics with Tableau: Unleash Your Data’s Potential with the Tableau Book

Visual Analytics with Tableau book cover
Visual Analytics with Tableau book cover

Today marks a significant milestone in my journey with data visualization – the release of my comprehensive Tableau book, Visual Analytics with Tableau (Amazon). This book is more than just a guide; it’s a comprehensive resource for unlocking the power of visual analytics. Also, check out the Visual Analytics with Tableau companion website for further news.

From the Back Cover

A 4-COLOR JOURNEY THROUGH A COMPLETE TABLEAU VISUALIZATION FOR NON-TECHNICAL BUSINESS USERS

Tableau is a popular data visualization and analytics tool favored by financial analysts, marketers, statisticians, business and sales professionals, data scientists, developers, and many others who need to explore insights and present visual, easy-to-understand data. Visual Analytics with Tableau is an accessible, step-by-step introduction to the world of visual analytics. This up-to-date guide is ideal for both beginners and more experienced users seeking a practical introduction to the fields of data analysis and visualization. Through hands-on examples and exercises, readers learn how to analyze their own data and clearly communicate the results.

This guide covers everything you need to get started with Tableau, from the first steps of connecting to data, creating different types of charts, and adding calculation fields to more advanced features such as table calculations, forecasts, clusters, and R, Python, and MATLAB integration for sophisticated statistical modelling. User-friendly instructions for existing options within the Tableau ecosystem–Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, Tableau Server, Tableau Online, and Tableau Public–enable you to integrate, clean, and prepare your data and share your work with others.

Why Choose Visual Analytics with Tableau?

  • Latest Versions Covered: Stay up-to-date with the newest features of Tableau, plus Tableau Prep, Tableau’s cutting-edge data integration application.
  • No Prior Experience Required: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this book caters to all. No background in mathematics or programming is needed.
  • Exploring Data Visually: This book Focuses on the visual analytics functionality of Tableau rather than complex statistical programming.
  • Expert Guidance: Gain insights from Alexander Loth, Tableau’s thought leader, and world-renowned visualization expert. Alexander’s hands-on approach ensures a smooth learning curve.
  • Advanced Functionality: Dive deep into advanced Tableau functionalities and explore various data structures to elevate your analytical capabilities.
  • Top-notch Presentation: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions, full-color illustrations, learning tools, online resources, and more.

Endorsements

If you’re getting started with visual analytics and Tableau, this book will teach you everything you need to know to build the foundations and understand how and why to explore your data visually. Alexander has created a fantastic resource that guides you step by step through the process of preparing your data, using Tableau Desktop to analyse it and finding insights.

Eva Murray, Head of BI and Tableau Zen Master at Exasol

If you’re keen to go from beginner to expert in Tableau, Alexander’s excellent book gives you everything you need to know. With a crisp and clear style, he talks the reader through all aspects of Tableau, from data cleaning through data analysis and into sharing insight with others.

Andy Cotgreave, Author of Big Book of Dashboards and Technical Evangelist at Tableau Software

Visual Analytics with Tableau – an easy to understand book by Alexander Loth, one of Tableau’s very first employees based in Germany, a recognized speaker on countless conferences, and a Tableau Jedi. It contains both the basics and advanced Tableau features. If you ask me: there is nothing more you need to get started with Tableau!

Klaus Schulte, Professor at Münster School of Business & 2019 Tableau Zen Master

Get Your Copy of Visual Analytics with Tableau and Stay Connected!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this book! Grab your copy of Visual Analytics with Tableau on Amazon and embark on an enlightening journey through visual analytics. If you’re new to Tableau, don’t miss my blog post on joining a Tableau User Group, where you can learn, connect, and grow your skills.

Stay in touch for more insights on data visualization, analytics, and digital transformation. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together:

Data Operations: Wie Sie die Performance Ihrer Datenanalyse und Dashboards steigern

#dataops: Folgen Sie der Diskussion auf Twitter
#dataops: Folgen Sie der Diskussion auf Twitter

Sind Sie mit der Geschwindigkeit Ihrer Datenanlyse unzufrieden? Oder haben Ihre Dashboards lange Ladezeiten? Dann können Sie bzw. Ihr Datenbank-Administrator folgenden Hinweisen nachgehen, die sich je nach Datenquelle unterscheiden können.

Allgemeine Empfehlungen zur Performance-Optimierung

Möchten Sie die Geschwindigkeit der Analyse verbessern? Dann beachten Sie folgende Punkte:

  • Benutzen Sie mehrere »kleinere« Datenquellen für individuelle Fragestellungen anstatt einer einzigen Datenquelle, die alle Fragestellungen abdecken soll.
  • Verzichten Sie auf nicht notwendige Verknüpfungen.
  • Aktivieren Sie in Tableau die Option »Referentielle Integrität voraussetzen« im »Daten«-Menü (siehe Abbildung 2.20). Wenn Sie diese Option verwenden, schließt Tableau die verknüpften Tabellen nur dann in die Datenabfrage ein, wenn sie explizit in der Ansicht verwendet wird*. Wenn Ihre Daten nicht über referentielle Integrität verfügen, sind die Abfrageergebnisse möglicherweise ungenau.

Aktivierte Option „Referentielle Integrität voraussetzen“ im „Daten“-Menü
Abbildung 2.20: Aktivierte Option »Referentielle Integrität voraussetzen« im »Daten«-Menü

* So wird beispielsweise der Umsatz anstatt mit der SQL-Abfrage SELECT SUM([Sales Amount]) FROM [Sales] S INNER JOIN [Product Catalog] P ON S.ProductID = P.ProductID lediglich mit der SQL-Abfrage SELECT SUM([Sales Amount]) FROM [Sales] ermittelt.

Empfehlungen für Performance-Optimierung bei Dateien und Cloud-Diensten

Achten Sie insbesondere beim Arbeiten mit Dateiformaten, wie Excel-, PDF- oder Textdateien, oder Daten aus Cloud-Diensten wie Google Tabellen zusätzlich auf folgende Punkte:

  • Verzichten Sie auf Vereinigungen über viele Dateien hinweg, da deren Verarbeitung sehr zeitintensiv ist.
  • Nutzen Sie einen Datenextrakt anstatt einer Live-Verbindung, falls Sie nicht mit einem schnellen Datenbanksystem arbeiten (siehe Wann sollten Sie Datenextrakte und wann Live-Verbindungen verwenden).
  • Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie beim Erstellen des Extrakts die Option »Einzelne Tabelle« wählen, anstatt der Option »Mehrere Tabellen« (siehe Abbildung 2.21). Dadurch wird das erzeugte Extrakt zwar größer und das Erstellen des Extrakts dauert länger, das Abfragen hingegen wird um ein Vielfaches beschleunigt.

Ausgewählte Option „Einzelne Tabelle“ im „Daten extrahieren“-Dialog
Abbildung 2.21: Ausgewählte Option »Einzelne Tabelle« im »Daten extrahieren«-Dialog

Empfehlungen für Performance-Optimierung bei Datenbank-Servern

Arbeiten Sie mit Daten auf einem Datenbank-Server, wie Oracle, PostgreSQL oder Microsoft SQL Server, und möchten die Zugriffszeiten verbessern? Dann achten Sie bzw. der dafür zuständige Datenbankadministrator zusätzlich auf folgende Punkte:

  • Definieren Sie für Ihre Datenbank-Tabellen sinnvolle Index-Spalten.
  • Legen Sie für Ihre Datenbank-Tabellen Partitionen an.

Dieser Beitrag ist der dritte Teil der Data-Operations-Serie:

Teil 1: Daten für die Analyse optimal vorbereiten
Teil 2: Wann sollten Sie Datenextrakte und wann Live-Verbindungen verwenden
Teil 3: Wie Sie die Performance Ihrer Datenanalyse und Dashboards steigern

Außerdem basiert dieser Blog-Post auf einem Unterkapitel des Buches „Datenvisualisierung mit Tableau„: