• What is Tableau?
    1. Tableau is a visual analytics platform that makes visualizing and understanding data easier by allowing users to create interactive visual analytics and dashboards. These dashboards make it simple for non-technical analysts and end users to convert data into understandable, interactive graphics.
  • How is Tableau different from Cognos?
    1. Cognos is primarily used for creating reports and generating large lists.  The difference between reporting and analyzing the data is where Tableau is most helpful.   Tableau makes creating interesting and engaging data analysis easier. By creating charts and visual representations of data, insights into what the data means are achievable.
  • How is Tableau different from Excel?
    1. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used for calculations, statistical operations, pivot tables, and reporting. Tableau is a business intelligence and data visualization tool to get insights from data, find hidden trends, and make business decisions.
  • What are the types of Tableau licenses?
    1. License options include seats for: 
      1. Tableau Creators - gives users the ability to publish, govern and share their work anywhere 
      2. Tableau Explorers - if you only need to access previously published data sources and do minor creating and modifying of existing workbooks
      3. Tableau Viewers -if users only need to view Tableau content and interact with filters

      1. Tableau Creators - $599.00 / year
      2. Tableau Explorers - $299.00 / year
      3. Tableau Viewers - $103.00 / year

**Please Note** License costs are current as of March 2022, are subject to change, and paid by the employee departments’ budget.

  • How do I learn how to use Tableau?
    1. Lynda.com has many training videos at all levels.
    2. Tableau.com
    3. You can Google and find many other Tableau resources.
  • What prerequisite knowledge is need to learn/use Tableau?
    1. You need to know your data!  Analyzing data requires that you know what results are accurate.
  • How do I get a license?  How do I receive additional training?
    1. Please Contact tableau-info@rwu.edu