Tableau Desktop users can utilize the Tableau Server provided by Pitt IT to share dashboards. The following are practices and recommendations for utilizing the University of Pittsburgh’s Tableau Server, located at https://analytics.pitt.edu
| Table of Contents | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Accounts and Projects
User Accounts
...
You can request the creation of , deletion or changes to a Tableau Project folder by opening a Helpdesk request. Please provide the name of the requested group - the Pitt IT Analytics team member implementing your request may work with you to align your request along existing naming conventions. As the requestor, you will be made the owner of the Project folder, and can assign permissions as you desire. You can find information on working with permissions on Tableau here - For beginner users: we recommend you set and lock permissions https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/permissions_projects.htm#LockProjectto make sure that access is granted in a consistent manner.
For advanced users: you might let each author / publisher manage permissions .htm
...
to their own asset. If you use this approach, people are likely to see unusual behavior (e.g., users may be able to see the workbook but they can’t see the project it belongs to; or users can see one sheet but not all sheets within a workbook.
As the owner of a project, you may also create sub-project folders.
Public Dashboards
Tableau dashboards can be configured to be visible to the general public. These dashboards can be embedded in web pages, or shared with those outside of the University. To make a dashboard public, please contact the Technology Help Desk with details about your request. A member of the Pitt IT Analytics team will work with you to review your dashboard (to ensure no PII or sensitive data is being released) and publish it for public consumption.
Examples include…
Data Sources
| Info |
|---|
The Pitt IT team recommends the use of Published Data Sources, especially for data that needs to be reused in more than one dashboard. See https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/publish_datasources_about.htm#what-makes-up-a-published-data-sourcefor more information. |
Selecting the right approach - Live Connection vs. Extract
...
How frequently is your data refreshed? Do not schedule a Tableau extract to run more frequently than the data is refreshed - this will minimize Tableau Server delays.
How frequently do your users need the data refreshed? While your underlying data may be refreshed daily, users may only consume the report/analysis at a weekly level. When possible, set the refresh of a Tableau extract to run only as frequently as it will bring value to the users of your dashboard.
If your data accrues slowly and includes timestamps, consider implementing incremental extracts. Incremental Extracts use a date field to only bring in new records to your Tableau data source or dashboard.
Selecting a Schedule for Extracts
Things to keep in mind when selecting a schedule for your Tableau Extract…
The Tableau Server is busiest between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Extract timings
Subscriptions
Publicreorganizgin projects, as data warehouse and other data refreshes complete and Tableau extracts begin. If possible, choose a time outside of that window to help ensure your job completes when schedule.
Adjust your refresh schedule to ensure that each refresh is providing value to your customer.
| Note |
|---|
Do not refresh the data more frequently than it updates in the source. Scheduling frequent extract refreshes does simply causes more delays for yourself and others in the broader University community. In addition, if you’re connecting to a database, instantiating multiple refreshes connections will create drag on your database and could cause a lock on your account. |
Subscriptions
Subscriptions run as part of the same work queue as extracts. Where possible, guide users to scheduling subscriptions outside of the 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. busy hours to ensure subscription messages arrive on time.
If you would like to request a new schedule frequency for subscriptions, please contact the Pitt IT Technolgoy Help Desk and request the creation of a new Tableau schedule.