Tableau 2021.1 introduced new AI capabilities and much more
This year’s first Tableau version for sure gave users some long-expected new functionalities. Tableau 2021.1 went live short after the leading BI solution once again was named a Leader among business intelligence and analytics systems for ninth consequent year. New AI functionalities and even greater convenience and ease of use are just a few of the areas where the Tableau team made improvements.
Among the most impressive new developments worth mentioning are:
- Deeper integration of Tableau with Einstein Discovery
- Quick LOD (Level of Detail) calculations
- Unified notification center
- Microsoft Azure connectivity improvements and more
Even more precise forecasts with Einstein Discovery in Tableau
Data analytics and uncovering of trends and relations is a key part of handling business data. Nevertheless, analyzing past data is not enough for management in order to make successful strategic and operational decisions. What it needs even more is the ability to extrapolate data and look forward. Being able to come up with precise and high-probability forecasts is vital for modern business and that is the direction Tableau is heading with its natural integration with Einstein Discovery – Salesforce’s powerful data modeling tool.
Based on self-training AI algorithms, Einstein Discovery allows users to create prediction models in a no-code environment. The integration with Tableau allows these models to be easily imported in analysis, dashboards and reports and makes the available to all users within the organization.
The integration between Tableau and Einstein Discovery allows for the predictive models to be used both in data visualizations and within calculations and facilitates the decision-making process. As a product outside of Tableau family, Einstein Discovery currently needs an additional license of 25$ user/month.
Creating advanced calculations and analysis has never been easier
The newest Tableau version made thousands of users’ wish come true by introducing the so called Quick LODs. The LOD calculations are a popular and commonly used tool for working with data of different level of detail, but their specific syntax is often too complicated for inexperienced users. Now, creating LODs is possible by a simple drag-and-drop operation. By simply dragging a measure and dropping it onto a dimension users can automatically create the desired calculation and use it in their analysis.
All data notifications in a single place
In our dynamic daily lives, filled with channels flooding us with information, it is often possible to miss notices that are important for our immediate work or the functioning of our team, department or company. To make it easier for users to track changes to key reports and analysis, Tableau 2021.1 introduced the Unified notifications center in Tableau Server / Tableau Online which gathers all relevant notifications regarding shared visualizations, comments or others. Users can choose whether they want to receive these notifications also by email or another convenient channel.
Optimal Azure integration
Azure – Microsoft’s cloud service – has been among the most used data sources for business in recent years. As a leader in its field, Tableau has always thrived to give its users the fastest and most convenient connection to their data, so each new version adds new level of integration with Azure. With Tableau 2021.1 users can now connect to their data in Azure SQL Database (with Azure Active Directory) and Azure Data Lake Gen 2.
The topics in this review touch just a few of the new and exciting functionalities in Tableau 2021.1. The new version offers improvements in maps and working with geo data, new features in the Tableau Catalog, a new gallery that allows more intuitive work with data connectors and external add-on extensions and much more. The easiest way to see for yourself the various features and benefits of Tableau is to test the solution completely free or contact us to discuss how Tableau can change the way your business handles data.