Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool, and updating your Excel data with it is essential for accurate insights. And while manual updates are an option, they may invite errors or take up your precious time without due reward. That’s why, in this article, we will explore how to update Excel workbook on Tableau efficiently, including automatic data refresh options.
What is Tableau?
Tableau is an exceptional business intelligence and data visualization solution that empowers users to report and analyze large volumes of data easily.
The power of Tableau lies in its ability to transform complex datasets into interactive and visually appealing dashboards, charts, and reports.
How to Update Excel Workbook on Tableau?
Learning to upload Excel to Tableau and updating it is crucial to ensure that your visualizations reflect the most recent and accurate data. Tableau provides various options to update and refresh data from Excel workbooks seamlessly.
In this section, we will explore step-by-step instructions on how to update Excel workbook on Tableau using the Data Sources and Connections features.
Step 1: Open Tableau Desktop and Access the Data Pane
First, launch Tableau Desktop and look for the Data Pane on the left-hand side of the interface. Then, simply locate the specific data source you wish to update and perform a right-click. Next, navigate to the context menu, and from the available options, choose the option "Edit Data Source" to proceed with the necessary modifications.
Step 2: Edit the Data Source Connection
Once you’ve opened the Data Source window, you must edit the connection to your Excel workbook. Navigate to the top menu in the Data Source Window and choose the option labeled “Data.” From there, select the specific data source name and choose “Edit Connection” to proceed.
Step 3: Specify the Excel Workbook Path
In the Excel Workbook Connection dialog box, you’ll see a field where you can enter the full universal naming convention (UNC) path to your Excel data source.
For example, let’s say the Excel workbook you’re working with is located at D:\example.xlsx. The corresponding UNC path would be \\cropsv06\temp\toby\example.xlsx, where “cropsv06” is the computer network name.
Enter the correct UNC path for your Excel workbook and click “Open” to continue.
Step 4: Publish the Updated Workbook to Tableau Server
You must publish the updated workbook to reflect your changes across Tableau Server. To accomplish this, navigate to the top menu and click on "Server." Then, initiate the publishing process by selecting the "Publish Workbook" option.
Within the "Publish Workbook to Tableau Server" dialog box, ensure that the "Include External Files" option is unchecked to avoid any unnecessary file dependencies. To finalize the process, click on the "Publish" button.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned to upload Excel to Tableau. Your visualizations will showcase the most up-to-date data for better analysis and decision-making.
Bonus Step: Tableau Auto Refresh - Automatic Data Refresh Options
In addition to manual updates, Tableau offers automatic data refresh options to ensure your visualizations are always up-to-date. There are three main ways to automate data refresh in Tableau:
Tableau Desktop’s Refresh Options: You can access scheduling options to automatically refresh data in Tableau desktop from Excel workbooks at predefined intervals. You can set up a refresh schedule based on your needs, ensuring that your visualizations always reflect the latest data.
Tableau Server’s Scheduling and Extract Refresh: If you are using Tableau Server, you can use its scheduling capabilities to automate data refresh. By scheduling regular extract refreshes, Tableau Server ensures that your visualizations are updated with the most recent data.
Tableau Online for Cloud-Based Data Refresh: You can leverage the Data Refresh API to automate data updates from Excel workbooks for cloud-based deployments using Tableau Online. The API allows you to trigger refreshes programmatically, ensuring your visualizations stay current.
Utilizing these options to refresh Tableau dashboard automatically allows you to streamline the process of updating Excel workbooks on Tableau, saving time and ensuring that your visualizations are always accurate and up-to-date.
How To Refresh Tableau Dashboard Automatically?
Mastering the art of automating data refresh in Tableau guarantees that your dashboards and visualizations are consistently updated with the most recent data. Follow these simple steps to set up automatic data refresh in Tableau.
Step 1: Connect to OneDrive and SharePoint Online
Launch Tableau and navigate to the Connect section.
Choose OneDrive and SharePoint Online as the data source of your preference.
Provide your email address and password, and proceed to sign in to authorize Tableau's access to your files.
Close the browser pane as instructed.
Step 2: Connect to the Excel File
Locate and select the desired Excel file that you wish to establish a connection with.
On the data source page, select the relevant file from OneDrive.
Choose the specific sheet you want to use as a data source.
Click on the "Extract" option in the data source pane and save the extracted file.
Publish the data source to Tableau Server/Online, ensuring that you assign it a distinctive and unique name for easy identification and accessibility.
Step 3: Configure Data Refresh on Tableau Server/Online
Open the published data source on Tableau Server/Online.
Go to Edit Connection and select the Embedded option with your Microsoft email ID.
Save the changes.
Open the Refresh Schedules task to set up the data refresh frequency (daily, weekly, monthly).
Choose the appropriate schedule and save it.
Step 4: Connect to the Data Source in Tableau Desktop/Server/Online
Open a new workbook in Tableau Desktop/Server/Online.
Click on "Connect to Data" and select the recently published data source.
Develop your report or dashboard using this data source.
By following these steps, you can automate refreshing your Tableau dashboard. This feature ensures that your visualizations are always accurate and provide real-time insights to your stakeholders.
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FAQs
Q1: Why is my Excel data not refreshing?
There could be several reasons why Excel data is not refreshing in Tableau. First, ensure that the Excel file is located in a location accessible to Tableau.
Check if the data source connection is set up correctly and if any filters or parameters limit the data refresh. Additionally, make sure that the data source is not locked or being used by another process that prevents Tableau from updating it.
Q2: Why is my shared Excel file not updating?
When sharing an Excel file with others, it’s important to consider how the file is being accessed. Conflicts may occur if multiple users access the file simultaneously, preventing updates from being reflected in Tableau.
Using file-sharing platforms or Tableau Server is recommended to ensure consistent updates across users.
Q3: How do I update my workbook in Tableau Server?
To update a workbook in Tableau Server, follow these steps:
Access the Tableau Server web interface and navigate to the desired workbook.
Click on the “Edit” option to open the workbook in Tableau Desktop.
Make the necessary changes to the workbook, including updating the Excel data source.
Save the changes and publish the workbook back to Tableau Server.
Users accessing the workbook will now see the updated data when they view it on Tableau Server.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, updating Excel workbooks on Tableau is essential to ensure accurate and up-to-date visualizations. Users can easily update their Excel workbooks and refresh the data without disrupting existing visualizations by utilizing Tableau's Data Sources and Connections features.
Following this guide will help you learn how to update Excel workbook on Tableau and ensure that your visualizations reflect the most recent data.
Additionally, exploring features like auto-refresh and scheduling data refreshes in Tableau Desktop can further automate the process, keeping your visualizations up-to-date.
Remember, accurate and timely data must be balanced in data analysis and visualization. Keeping your Excel workbooks updated in Tableau ensures that your insights and decision-making are based on the latest information.
So, take advantage of the powerful features in Tableau and streamline your data updating process for more impactful and informed visualizations.
