Tableau released some crazy new features that make the platform even better.
This article is in reference to the YouTube video below
Deep Dive into Tableau 2023.2 Features
Tableau's new release, 2023.2, comes with a tons of new features that are bound to be game-changers for both developers and end users. They range from new functions to new connectors.
These are the ones we see as being the biggest impact going forward. You can always check out their full list of latest features on the All Features Page (sometimes the individual release URLs change so that's the safest link).
Tableau Desktop
1. Salesforce Data Cloud Connector
Salesforce Data Cloud has become a significant part of Salesforce’s ecosystem, providing a centralized hub for all Salesforce-based data. This connector allows Tableau users to easily:
- Access Salesforce's vast data landscape, tapping into customer-centric data.
- Visualize and analyze Salesforce data without needing to export or use third-party connectors.
- Improve data latency and maintain real-time insights.
2. Amazon S3 Connector
Amazon S3, being one of the most popular cloud storage solutions, holds vast amounts of data. The integration of a native Amazon S3 Connector means:
- Direct access to files stored in S3, speeding up the data connection process.
- Cost savings, as users no longer need third-party connectors.
- Better data integrity and security since the connection is native.
3. Geospatial Capabilities
Geospatial analytics in Tableau have received a significant boost with these three new functions:
OUTLINE Function: This function is particularly useful for those dealing with spatial data. It can create clear distinctions between the whole spatial object and its outline, opening up new possibilities for interactive maps and analyses.
SHAPETYPE Function: Being able to categorize by shape opens up the ability to create different analyses of spatial data. Before, you'd have to provide that classification in the data source as a separate field. Now you don't have to since Tableau can interpret it.
LENGTH Function: This feature provides accurate calculations of paths, essential for logistics, delivery route planning, and more. It's different from the DISTANCE function since that one only gives the distance in between two points without considering a path.
4. Customizable Line Patterns
Visualization gets a fresh perspective with:
- Ability to differentiate lines based on patterns, aiding in visual recognition.
- Easier to configure dashed lines for certain measures. Eliminates timely workarounds.
5. Image Role Enhancements
Visualizations sometimes need more than just data:
- Increased file type support broadens the spectrum of web images that can be included in a dashboard.
- Users can now handle larger image files, aiding in richer, high-resolution visualizations.
6. Accelerator Mapping Functionality
For those dealing with massive datasets, the improved mapping functionality is a boon:
- Seamless experience when switching between different data sources, saving time and reducing errors.
- Existing connected data sources can now leverage the enhanced mapping, leading to more accurate visualizations.
Honorable Mentions: Amazon Athena Connector, GA4 Connector, and Unified Tooltips
Tableau Cloud
1. Recommendation for View Acceleration
This is all about performance:
- Users can now recommend which views should be accelerated, ensuring frequently accessed or critical datasets load faster.
- Improves user experience, especially for those dealing with large datasets, by reducing wait times.
2. Admin Insights Enhancements
For those managing Tableau platforms:
- A deeper dive into user behaviors provides actionable insights for training and platform optimization.
- Understand which features are most used, helping in resource allocation and future planning.
Wrapping Up
Tableau is still making leaps in the capabilities of the tool. We're still seeing a convergence of the functionality between Desktop and the Web Editor on Cloud. This will probably continue into the future.
Some Predictions
Who knows what the team will come up with next?! But we're taking a guess that some type of visualization generator using AI will be coming down the pipeline. Expect further advancements in this area for the entire experience on Tableau Cloud.
