Tableau Publishing Checklist

Data Definitions

• All data adheres to the definitions documented in the data dictionary.
  Fields used in multiple workbooks must be defined in the data dictionary (fields used only in a single workbook do not need to be defined). If the field is not currently in the data dictionary, it is your responsibility to add it. Use standard data dictionary naming conventions.
  
  
• Fields are named as documented in the data dictionary.
  Fields that are specific to a particular workbook do not need to be defined in the data dictionary. In these cases, do not use data dictionary naming conventions.
  
  
• "Yes/no" values are replaced with meaningful values in the SQL query (i.e. "enrolled/not enrolled").
  
  
• Daily stats are linked to a semester.
  Use the bud.dbo.getSemester function to convert timestamps and dates to the appropriate semester.
  
  
• Correct datasource type is used (descriptions below).
  
  
  • Live Operational
    Typical desktop users cannot connect to the underlying SQL, but if the data is published as a scheduled extract, users may download the workbook and manipulate the visualizations. ITS must republish changes to the workbook.
    • The credentials of developer are embedded.
      
      
  • TABDS - #TABLEAU Datasource#
    Live data is made available to Tableau Desktop users and publishers outside of ITS. No extract is required.
    • SQL statements, along with any calculated fields or hierarchies built in Tableau, are published to the server.

Workbook Design

• Workbook name uses proper abbreviations.
  Abbreviation_#whatever# (for example, EM, WEPA, SGA). Follow the standards used in the data dictionary.
  
  
• About tab is included. (sample)
  
  
  • Add workbook to the Data Dictionary (https://app.uwf.edu/dictionary/).
    The name of the workbook MUST exactly match the name of the Tableau workbook.
    
    
  • Add the About tab to the workbook.
    1. Add a new dashboard named "About Abbreviation_#whatever#" as last tab in workbook.
    2. Add webpage object to dashboard.
    3. Enter the URL from the Data Dictionary with "embed=true" URL parameter in the web page object.
    
    
  • Common data dimensions are named in accordance with definitions documented in the Data Dictionary.
    
    
• Tabs have meaningful names.
  
  
• Hide any worksheets that are only exposed via a dashboard.
  Only those worksheets marked for publication will appear on Tableau Server; however, anyone who downloads the workbook for use in Tableau Desktop will see the visualizations.

Visualization Design

• Charts and tables have titles.
  
  
• Appropriate fonts are used: Arial (default) or Arial Narrow.
  
  
• Totals are in bold.
  
  
• Appropriate decimal places are used.
  For example, ask yourself, if it is appropriate to report .5 person.
  
  
• Appropriate and consistent color schemes are used for dimensions or values.
  Do not use the same color to represent two different things in the same chart.
  
  
• Legends are displayed.
  
  
• Axis labels are displayed.
  
  
• Abbreviation definitions are included in captions.
  
  
• Datasource and date/time updated is displayed.
  
  
• Links to web applications are used for easy editing/verification of data.
  Use the green arrow shown in the example below.
  Instructions.
  
  
  
• Filters.
  
  
  • Active filters and actions are identified in the title or on the About tab.
    QuickFilters do not need to be documented.
    
    
  • Only relevant values are displayed in filters.
    
    
• Visualization tested on intended display devices. (Monitor, laptop, tablet, projector.)
  How to set a dashboard to display a fixed size.
  
  
• Printing tested.
  Tips:
  • Tableau Printing Tips
  • Set page to print in landscape.
  • Print a test page to ensure data is represented accurately. Watch for page breaks and data truncation.

Publishing

• Final workbook reviewed for accuracy, confidentiality, and security. Ensure detail data does not contain confidential information.
  • If confidential data must be exposed on the dashboard or in the underlying data, permissions must be set to restrict the audience to only the necessary viewers.
  • If confidential data is not exposed, but confidential data is in the dimensions, remove "view underlying data" so that the workbook can be shared with broad audience.
    
    
• Packaged workbook exported.
  
  
• Workbook saved in in the shared workbook folder for your department/project. You must publish from this location.
  Shared folder: \\argofiler.argo.uwf.edu\facstaff\home\its\general\tableau shared workbooks\
  
  
• Notify a Tableau publisher that the workbook is ready for publishing.
  Provide the complete path to the file (starting with \\argofiler.argo.uwf.edu\...)
  
  Instructions for Tableau Publishers
  
  

UPDATE or REPLACE a workbook

• Download the workbook from Tableau Server to ensure you are using the most recent version of the workbook.
  
  
• Modify the workbook.
  
  
• Add a comment in the Data Dictionary explaining the change.
  
  
• Modify the About tab as needed.
  
  
• If you are replacing the existing workbook with a different workbook: Rename the new workbook to exactly match the original workbook name and save it in the Tableau shared workbook folder.
  
  
• Notify a Tableau publisher that the workbook is ready for publishing.
  Provide the complete path to the file (starting with \\argofiler.argo.uwf.edu\...)
  
  Instructions for Tableau Publishers