Tableau - Create Visualization

Tableau is a data visualization tool that allows users to connect datasets and create visual representations. We will explore how we can create a series of visualizations in Tableau. Lets see how to do it:

1. Connecting to the Data

Open Tableau and connect to the databases.

The data source contains three files: Product, OrderDetails and PropertyInfo. These are separate Excel sheets within one file.

Note: You can also use tableau in built "Superstore" dataset which includes tables and fields such as Order ID, Product ID, Product Category, etc.

Open the Product data file first.

Add the OrderDetails data file which contains information about each order.

We can notice a join between the two data files. Hovering over the join shows that it is an inner join using the common key ProductID. An inner join combines data from two tables that share a common field.

Next, add the PropertyInfo file.

Hovering over the join shows that OrderDetails and PropertyInfo are also inner joined using PropertyID.

2. Creating a Basic Text Table

Now, that data is completely ready for data visualization. Click the Quantity field.In the top-right corner of Tableau, click the Show Me button.

Select the Text Table option.

Since the data currently has only one measure (sum of quantity) and no subcategories, the total quantity of all items ordered is 10,096. While correct, this visualization is not very informative.

3. Creating a Tree Map for Better Insights

• Select multiple fields that are not next to each other. For example, Quantity and Product Category.
• Go to the Show Me tab to explore the wider variety of available visualizations.
• Click Tree Map which uses color and size to indicate the largest quantity values.

From the Tree Map We can conclude:

• Furnishings have the highest quantity of items ordered.
• Public Areas and Housekeeping are very close behind.
• Maintenance is fourth, slightly larger than Office Supplies, which is fifth.