Till now we have seen many ways in which Tableau can be applied to Data but Users tend to utilize it in the wrong manner and expect it to perform operations which are not a part of its applications. Let us look at some of them and identify ways to avoid it.
- Using Tableau as an Online Excel: Many users try to convert Excel spreadsheets to Tableau worksheets and publish it on Tableau Server so that other users can interact with the data using filters. But all the features of Excel cannot be replicated easily into Tableau so the users tend to blame Tableau for not having the necessary functionalities. Tableau and Excel are not built to do the same work and therefore have different and compatible features. Solution: Static table-like reports should be created using Traditional BI Tools and the dynamic visualizations and dashboards should be generated using Tableau.
- Building business applications on top of Tableau: Tableau is not a document or project management tool or a collaboration system for applications. Solution: Tableau should be utilized for Data Analytics and Data Visualizations and Development Team should be used for creating custom applications.
- Using Tableau desktop as an ETL Tool: Users export data from Excel file, do the calculations that are easier in Tableau and expect to import that Tableau data back into an Excel file and analyze it further. This is not possible and it is seen as a shortcoming of Tableau. Solution: ETL should be executed using tools like Alteryx, Informatica, Microsoft SSIS and Pentaho and Tableau Users should stick to Data Analytics and Visualizations.
- Exporting Tableau dashboards to PDF or Image: Users export the dashboard as a PDF or an Image to include it in a static text document which makes it lose its interactivity. Solution: To retain the interactivity of the dashboards and share it, use Tableau Server or Tableau Online to avoid pitfalls in decision-making.
- Unlimited Tableau Reader Users: Analyst Users tend to share Tableau workbooks in a production environment on day to day basis with many users. This involves company-specific data and has the risk of leaking outside the company. Every day the data is refreshed so the analyst has to send the updated workbook again which makes it a cumbersome task with many risks. Solution: Tableau Server and Tableau Online should be used to publish and share interactive dashboards and to avoid the risk of leaking data.
Tableau is not a data creation and a table production tool and should not be used for modifying or modeling data. Tableau users should connect it to raw data and harness its capabilities to produce dynamic visualizations and dashboards using suitable Data Analytics.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-reason-how-you-should-use-tableau-hrvoje-gabelica