{"id":251547,"date":"2023-08-07T14:49:30","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T14:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imarticus.org\/?p=251547"},"modified":"2024-06-19T13:06:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T13:06:53","slug":"6-pros-and-cons-of-tableau-data-extracts-v-s-live-connections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imarticus.org\/blog\/6-pros-and-cons-of-tableau-data-extracts-v-s-live-connections\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Pros And Cons Of Tableau Data Extracts V\/S Live Connections"},"content":{"rendered":"

The main goal of Data Analytics and Visualisation is extracting insights from raw data. You have to connect and interact with data from many sources to derive meaningful results. Businesses worldwide use a tool like Tableau to get this job done. One of the most powerful tools in this domain, Tableau, offers two ways to interact with data. To learn more about this domain, you can always pick a <\/span>data science course<\/b> that can boost your career in data science<\/strong><\/a> to new heights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join us as we unveil the meaning of these two methods. By navigating through the pros and cons of each method, you will realise the true potential of data visualisation<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Data Extracts?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Simply put, Tableau creates a condensed version of data called data extracts. They are stored separately from the source. These data extracts are minor in size as they only contain data required for visualisation.<\/span>
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Pros of Data Extracts<\/b><\/h3>\n

Flexible Data Modelling:<\/b> You get more power to customise data extracts. Through this mechanism, you can perform the following actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating calculated fields<\/span><\/p>\n

Performing custom calculations<\/span><\/p>\n

Defining hierarchies within the extract<\/span><\/p>\n

Enhanced Security and Data Governance:<\/b> Extracts provide a layer of security for your data. Through its encryption, you can protect your data with a password while sharing it with external parties. This capability helps you in cases where you are strictly expected to comply with privacy regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Local availability:<\/b> Data extracts can be locally stored on your system. You can work on them without connecting to the source. Data extracts provide flexibility as you can manipulate and shape data without an internet connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cons of Data Extracts<\/b><\/h3>\n

Data Latency:<\/b> You can expect data latency as the extracts are locally available. You will have to refresh the extracts to reflect the latest information in your insights and visualisations. This results in a significant delay between when data was changed in the source and when it was updated in the extract<\/span><\/p>\n

Complex Extract Creation:<\/b> Creating extracts requires more steps than a live connection. Beginners might need help to perform the following tasks for extract creation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defining data connection settings<\/span><\/p>\n

Selecting data fields<\/span><\/p>\n

Configuring filters<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing data refresh schedules<\/span><\/p>\n

Data Duplication:<\/b> Extracts are stored locally. If you don’t refresh them frequently, discrepancies could occur with the source. This leads to confusion and unreliable analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Live Connections?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Unlike data extracts, live connections are dynamic. Through them, you can interact with data in real-time. When you establish a live connection, Tableau retrieves data from the source whenever you interact with the visualisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros of Live Connections<\/b><\/h3>\n

Reliable Analysis:<\/b> The generated analysis is trustworthy as you always work with real-time data from the source. Any changes in the source are instantly reflected in the visualisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Centralised Data Governance:<\/b> Tableau establishes a direct connection to the data source. Tableau enforces the access controls and security protocols of the source. Thus, you can maintain centralised security protocols and governance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Real-time Collaboration:<\/b> Live connections allow multiple users to work with the same data source. They can access and interact with the visualisations in real-time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cons of Live Connections<\/b><\/h3>\n