Tableau FAQ

How do I use data from the University Data Warehouse (UDW) in Tableau?

How can I share a dashboard I created in Tableau with my team?

How can I request a project for my team to share Tableau dashboards?

How can I learn what data is available to me in Tableau?

What support is available to me as a Tableau user?

Can Pitt IT develop a Tableau dashboard for me?

How can I request that new data be added to the Tableau Server?

Can I connect Tableau to my own database?

Can I control who views my workbooks and dashboards?

As a Tableau Desktop or Web Edit user you can control the permissions for the things you publish to the Tableau server – here's how:  https://help.tableau.com/current/online/en-us/permissions.htm . If the data source for your dashboard is a live connection to the University Data Warehouse source, then viewers of your dashboard will be restricted to the data to which they have access through the Federated Authorization process.

Can I try out Tableau Desktop?

Yes, download the 14-day free trial from Tableau. If you are a student or instructor, you are eligible for a free Tableau license.

Why do licenses for Tableau Desktop for staff and faculty administration now have a $315 annual cost associated with them?

The $315 charge for administrative licenses reflects recent changes to the vendor's license pricing structure for Tableau. The actual cost per license is $630. However, Pitt IT will absorb $315 of this amount.

When does the price change for administrative licenses for Tableau take place?

Immediately for new purchases of administrative licenses. Existing administrative licenses are eligible for renewal annually.

How can I access Tableau Server content?

All faculty and staff members at the University of Pittsburgh have access to the Tableau Server at analytics.pitt.edu. Visitors to analytics.pitt.edu will only see dashboards and worksheets to which they have been granted access by a Tableau Desktop author.

Who has access to view a dashboard on Tableau Server?

Tableau Desktop authors publish dashboards and worksheets to the Tableau Server. These authors are also responsible for granting access to those dashboards. If you would like access to a particular dashboard, contact the author of the dashboard to request access.

What kinds of data can Tableau use?

Tableau Desktop users can take advantage of several data sources connected directly to the University Data Warehouse. In addition, Tableau can ingest data from almost any database or format. It can easily connect to Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and other databases, as well as CSV and Microsoft Excel files. These data sources can then be joined together to create unified datasets for analysis.

Are there things I should not publish to the Tableau Server?

Medical information, personal identifiers like social security number, and credit card information should not be published to the Tableau Server.  Student information like grades, GPA, test scores, academic standing and other performances indicators are acceptable.  Financial data can also be included.  Whenever possible, the University Data Warehouse should be used as the data source for student and financial information to guarantee the security of the data.