
About Course
Course Overview: Introduction to Tableau Prep
Course Description
The “Introduction to Tableau Prep” course is designed to equip participants with the fundamental skills needed to effectively prepare and clean data for analysis using Tableau Prep. As data preparation is a crucial step in the data analytics process, this course focuses on helping learners understand the tools and techniques available in Tableau Prep to transform raw data into a structured format that can be easily analyzed in Tableau Desktop.
Key Topics Covered
- Understanding Data Preparation
- Importance of data preparation in the analytics workflow.
- Overview of common data quality issues and how to address them.
- Navigating Tableau Prep Interface
- Introduction to the Tableau Prep workspace and its components.
- How to import and connect to different data sources.
- Data Cleaning Techniques
- Techniques for cleaning data, including handling null values, correcting data types, and removing duplicates.
- Using the cleaning tools to streamline the data preparation process.
- Building Data Flows
- Creating and managing data flows to visualize and understand the data transformation process.
- Utilizing the “Step” functionality to apply multiple transformations in sequence.
- Aggregating and Reshaping Data
- Techniques for aggregating data and reshaping it to meet analytical needs.
- Understanding pivoting and unpivoting data for better analysis.
- Outputting Data for Analysis
- Best practices for outputting cleaned data to Tableau Desktop or other formats.
- Exporting data flows and ensuring data integrity throughout the process.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the significance of data preparation in analytics.
- Navigate the Tableau Prep interface confidently.
- Apply various data cleaning and transformation techniques.
- Build and manage effective data flows that enhance data quality.
- Output prepared data efficiently for analysis in Tableau Desktop.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and anyone interested in improving their data preparation skills. No prior experience with Tableau Prep is required, making it suitable for beginners looking to enhance their data analytics capabilities.
Conclusion
The “Introduction to Tableau Prep” course provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking to master data preparation techniques. By learning how to clean, reshape, and prepare data effectively, participants will be well-prepared to leverage Tableau’s powerful visualization capabilities for insightful data analysis. Embrace the journey of data preparation and unlock the full potential of your data!
What Will You Learn?
- In the "Introduction to Tableau Prep" course, you will learn how to navigate the Tableau Prep interface, apply data cleaning techniques, build and manage data flows, aggregate and reshape data, and export prepared data for analysis in Tableau Desktop. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with essential skills to effectively prepare data for analytics.
Course Content
Course Structure – Outline
The "Intro to Tableau Prep" course is structured to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for participants looking to master data preparation techniques. The course outline begins with an introduction to Tableau Prep, familiarizing learners with the interface and key functionalities. Following this, the curriculum dives into essential data cleaning methods, covering techniques for handling missing values, correcting data types, and eliminating duplicates, which are crucial for ensuring data integrity.
Participants will then explore the process of building data flows, learning how to visualize data transformations step-by-step. This segment emphasizes the importance of understanding the flow of data from raw to refined, equipping learners with practical skills they can apply in real-world scenarios. The course also covers advanced topics such as aggregating and reshaping data, enabling participants to manipulate datasets effectively for deeper analysis.
Finally, learners will be guided on how to export their prepared data for use in Tableau Desktop, ensuring a seamless transition from preparation to analysis. Throughout the course, practical exercises and real-life examples reinforce learning, making the content both applicable and engaging. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in data preparation with Tableau Prep, ready to enhance their analytical capabilities.
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Course Structure – Outline for Intro to Tableau Prep
01:48
Introducing The Course Project
The "Introducing the Course Project" section in the "Intro to Tableau Prep" course sets the stage for applying the skills learned throughout the training in a practical, hands-on project. This project serves as a culmination of the techniques covered, allowing participants to engage in real-world data preparation tasks. By working with a provided dataset, learners will have the opportunity to practice essential skills such as data cleaning, building data flows, and reshaping data.
The project emphasizes the importance of effectively transforming raw data into a structured format suitable for analysis in Tableau Desktop. Participants will be guided through each step of the process, from identifying data quality issues to exporting the cleaned dataset. This practical application not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge gained during the course but also builds confidence in using Tableau Prep in real-life scenarios.
By the end of the project, learners will have a tangible output that showcases their ability to prepare data effectively, demonstrating their proficiency in using Tableau Prep for data analytics. This course project not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares participants to tackle similar challenges in their professional roles, making them more competent and confident in their data preparation skills.
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Introducing the Course Project in Intro to Tableau Prep
02:44
Setting Expectations
The "Setting Expectations" section of the "Intro to Tableau Prep" course provides participants with a clear understanding of what to anticipate throughout their learning journey. This segment outlines the course objectives, emphasizing the importance of data preparation in the analytics workflow and how Tableau Prep serves as a powerful tool for this purpose. Participants can expect to gain hands-on experience with practical exercises that reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in each module.
Additionally, the section highlights the level of engagement required, encouraging learners to actively participate in discussions and exercises to maximize their understanding. It also addresses the time commitment needed to complete the course effectively, ensuring that students can allocate sufficient time for both instruction and practice. By setting these expectations early on, participants can approach the course with a focused mindset, ready to embrace the challenges of mastering data preparation techniques. Ultimately, this foundational understanding fosters a productive learning environment, equipping learners with the skills necessary to confidently utilize Tableau Prep in real-world scenarios.
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Setting Expectations in Intro to Tableau Prep
01:17
Introducing Tableau Prep: A Comprehensive Overview
Tableau Prep is an essential tool for data preparation, designed to simplify the process of cleaning and organizing data before analysis. With its user-friendly interface, Tableau Prep enables users to visually prepare their data through intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. This powerful software allows analysts to combine, reshape, and refine data from various sources, ensuring that it is ready for insightful analysis in Tableau Desktop.
One of the standout features of Tableau Prep is its ability to provide real-time feedback as users manipulate data, making it easier to understand the impact of changes instantly. The tool supports a wide range of data connections, allowing seamless integration from databases, spreadsheets, and cloud sources. Moreover, Tableau Prep's visual flow interface helps users track the steps taken during the data preparation process, promoting transparency and reproducibility in data workflows.
In addition to its robust functionality, Tableau Prep offers features like data profiling, which helps users identify data quality issues quickly. This capability is crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability in analyses. Overall, Tableau Prep is a vital companion for anyone looking to streamline their data preparation tasks, enabling more efficient decision-making and fostering a data-driven culture. Embrace Tableau Prep to enhance your data handling capabilities and unlock deeper insights from your datasets.
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Meet Tableau Prep
00:56 -
Tableau User Roles
01:29 -
Downloading Tableau Prep
02:05 -
Navigating the Tableau Prep Workspace
02:39 -
Visual Dictionary
05:08 -
Creating an Example Flow Diagram in Tableau Prep
02:05 -
Pro Tip – Data Design in Tableau Prep
01:05 -
PRO TIP- Data Design
01:35
Connecting to Data
Connecting to data is a fundamental step in the data preparation process using Tableau Prep. This tool offers a variety of data connection options, allowing users to integrate data from multiple sources seamlessly. Whether you're working with databases, spreadsheets, cloud services, or other data formats, Tableau Prep facilitates smooth connections to ensure your datasets are ready for transformation and analysis.
To begin, users can easily navigate to the connection pane, where they can choose their preferred data source. Tableau Prep supports numerous connectors, making it versatile for different types of data, including SQL databases, Excel files, and cloud-based services like Google Sheets and Salesforce. Once connected, users can view the available tables and fields, enabling them to select the relevant data needed for their analysis.
After establishing a connection, Tableau Prep allows users to preview their data, ensuring it meets the requirements before proceeding with any transformations. This feature is crucial for identifying any issues, such as missing values or inconsistencies, right from the start. Additionally, users can create unions and joins within the connection interface, allowing for complex data manipulation without the need for extensive coding or additional tools.
Overall, mastering the data connection process in Tableau Prep is essential for efficient data preparation. It not only simplifies the workflow but also enhances the quality of analysis by ensuring that users work with accurate and relevant data from the outset. By leveraging the diverse connection capabilities of Tableau Prep, users can set a solid foundation for effective data analysis and visualization.
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Connecting to Data
01:35 -
Understanding Data Connection Types in Tableau Prep
01:35 -
Data Connection Examples Video
13:29 -
Understanding Wildcard Unions in Tableau Prep
08:24 -
Pro Tip – Input Joins in Tableau Prep
03:43 -
Input Cleaning in Tableau Prep
06:46 -
Text Configuration in Tableau Prep
04:03 -
Data Sampling in Tableau Prep
05:22 -
Refreshing Data in Tableau Prep
05:03 -
SOLUTION- Connecting to Data
04:15 -
ASSIGNMENT- Connecting to Data
00:52
Examining and Filtering in Tableau Prep
Examining and Filtering in Tableau Prep is an essential step in data preparation, allowing users to clean and refine data before analysis. Filtering enables you to remove unnecessary data points, outliers, and irrelevant entries, resulting in a cleaner, more focused dataset. By examining data in Tableau Prep, users can review data fields, check for missing values, and identify anomalies that could impact the accuracy of insights. Filters in Tableau Prep allow you to apply various conditions, such as value ranges, specific categories, or custom rules, helping narrow the dataset to just the relevant information.
When examining and filtering data in Tableau Prep, you have a few useful tools to work with. **Range Filters** let you specify minimum and maximum values for numerical fields, focusing on the most relevant data range. **Category Filters** are ideal for isolating certain groups, making it easy to focus on a subset of data based on specific attributes, such as product categories or customer segments. You can also use **Custom Filters** to create tailored conditions based on multiple fields, which is especially useful in complex datasets.
The examining and filtering process in Tableau Prep enhances data quality, making it easier to manage large datasets and ensure accurate analysis. This step also prevents clutter in your data, leading to better performance in Tableau Desktop and cleaner visualizations. With the intuitive filtering tools provided, Tableau Prep allows users to quickly focus on what matters most, saving time in the data preparation stage and improving the reliability of downstream analytics.
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Examining – Filtering
01:19 -
Data Types – Sizes
06:27 -
Value Distribution in Tableau Prep
04:48 -
Finding Fields – Values
03:44 -
Sorting – Moving Profile Cards
03:28 -
How to Use Highlighting in Tableau Prep
03:37 -
Filtering Methods
07:59 -
ASSIGNMENT- Examining – Filtering
01:02 -
SOLUTION – Examining and Filtering Data
05:24
Operations – Calculations
In the realm of data preparation with Tableau Prep, Operations - Calculations play a crucial role in transforming and enriching datasets for analysis. Calculations allow users to derive new insights by creating new fields or modifying existing ones based on mathematical operations, aggregations, or logical expressions. This feature enhances data analysis by enabling users to perform computations directly within their workflow, such as calculating totals, averages, or ratios, which are essential for informed decision-making.
Tableau Prep supports a variety of calculation types, including basic arithmetic operations, date calculations, and string manipulations. By utilizing these operations, users can tailor their data to meet specific analytical requirements, thereby improving the relevance and quality of insights derived from their datasets. For instance, users can create calculated fields that provide a more granular view of performance metrics or segment data based on certain criteria.
Moreover, the flexibility of calculations in Tableau Prep empowers users to apply conditional logic, allowing for more nuanced data transformations. This means that users can implement complex business rules to categorize data or create flags that indicate specific conditions, enhancing the overall analytical capabilities of their datasets.
In summary, understanding and effectively using calculations in Tableau Prep is essential for anyone looking to optimize their data preparation process. By leveraging these operations, users can ensure their data is not only clean and well-structured but also enriched with the necessary insights to drive impactful analyses and business strategies. Embracing calculations within Tableau Prep ultimately leads to more informed decision-making and better business outcomes.
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Operations – Calculations
01:21 -
Value – Field Operations
11:39 -
Clean Step Layouts
03:34 -
Value Operation
01:59 -
PRO TIP- Pausing Data Updates
03:13 -
Value Operations – Clean
04:30 -
Value Operations – Manual Grouping
06:42 -
Value Operations – Automatic Grouping
07:23 -
Value Operations – Split Values
05:26 -
Value Operations – Edit in Tableau Prep
05:39 -
Value Operations – Convert Dates
04:56 -
Understanding Field Types in Tableau Prep
03:49 -
Field Operations – Data Roles
04:25 -
Cleaning Data with Field Operations
11:39 -
Calculated Fields
09:20 -
Mastering Level of Detail (LOD) Calculations
10:47 -
Analytic Calculations – Rank
07:01 -
PRO TIP- Copy – Paste
04:13 -
PRO TIP- Reusable Flow Steps
03:09 -
ASSIGNMENT- Operations – Calculations
00:54 -
SOLUTION- Operations – Calculations
07:24 -
Combine Data – Union
06:38
Combining – Pivoting in Tableau Prep
In Tableau Prep, Pivoting is a powerful data transformation technique used to reshape and reorganize data, especially when dealing with wide data sets. Pivoting allows users to combine columns into rows, making it easier to analyze and visualize data in a more structured format. This operation is essential when you need to reformat data that’s been collected in a wide format (with multiple columns for related values) into a long format (with values grouped under a single column).
The Combining - Pivoting operation in Tableau Prep is typically used when dealing with datasets that include repeated categories or measurements across several columns. By pivoting data, you can consolidate this information into a more compact and manageable form, making it easier to work with. For example, in a sales dataset with multiple columns for each region's sales figures, pivoting helps to combine the region columns into a single column, making it easier to perform aggregated calculations or comparisons.
Pivoting in Tableau Prep can be done in two ways: pivoting rows to columns or pivoting columns to rows. Pivoting columns to rows is the most common form, where the values from several columns are combined into a single column under a new header. This is particularly helpful when working with time series data, where each time period (such as months or years) is represented as a separate column. After pivoting, the time periods can be merged into a single column, making analysis more straightforward.
The Pivoting operation enhances Tableau Prep’s capability to prepare data for further analysis by simplifying data structure and ensuring consistency. It’s a useful tool for cleaning up messy data, consolidating fields, and ensuring that your dataset is in the ideal format for analysis in Tableau. By mastering pivoting, users can efficiently transform their data, ensuring better organization, clarity, and a more streamlined analytical workflow.
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Combining – Pivoting
01:21 -
Combine Data – Union
06:38 -
Union Results – Common Issues
09:22 -
Combine Data – Aggregate
06:47 -
Combine Data – Join
17:36 -
Join Results – Common Issues
20:36 -
Pivot
07:34 -
Pro Tip – Organize Your Flow in Tableau Prep
04:18 -
Assignment on Pivoting
02:53 -
SOLUTION- Combining – Pivoting
07:23
Sharing – Updating
Sharing and updating are key functionalities in Tableau Prep that enable seamless collaboration and ensure that your data flows remain accurate and up to date. After preparing and transforming data in Tableau Prep, sharing your work allows you to collaborate with team members, stakeholders, or analysts who rely on your prepared data for decision-making. Tableau Prep makes it easy to share outputs by publishing directly to Tableau Server, Tableau Cloud, or exporting data to other formats such as CSV or Excel. This ensures your workflows integrate smoothly into the broader data analysis and visualization ecosystem.
Updating data flows is equally essential to maintain the relevance of your datasets. Data sources often change over time due to updates, additions, or corrections. Tableau Prep simplifies the process of refreshing data by automatically detecting changes in your source files or databases and applying them to your workflow. This minimizes the effort required to manually update transformations or reprocess data. Additionally, scheduling data flow runs on Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud automates this process, ensuring your datasets stay current without constant intervention.
By using the sharing and updating features effectively, Tableau Prep users can foster better collaboration, maintain data accuracy, and save time. These functionalities enhance productivity while supporting robust, scalable data preparation practices across teams and organizations.
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Sharing – Updating
00:48 -
Saving Flows
02:46 -
PRO TIP- Preview in Desktop
02:03 -
Creating Local Extracts
05:59 -
Saving to External Databases
06:21 -
Creating Published Data Sources
02:02 -
PREVIEW- Tableau Prep Conductor
01:36 -
ASSIGNMENT- Sharing – Updating
00:48 -
SOLUTION- Sharing – Updating
04:02