We recently had our first session in Tableau Next. This blog will outline a brief overview of the material we covered, and can hopefully serve as a useful guide of how to get started.
Step 1: Upload and Prepare Your Data
Start by uploading your data - typically CSV files - into Tableau Next. In the preview window, you can adjust data types, rename fields, and make other quick edits. Once you’re happy with the setup, save it as a Data Lake Object (DLO). This acts as a reusable, centralized data source for your future models and visuals.
Step 2: Build a Semantic Model
Next, head to your workspace and create a Semantic Model. This is where you define relationships between different data objects. Begin by adding your base DLO, then use the Add Data Objects option to bring in additional tables. From there, you can establish relationships between tables - for example, linking sales data to customer details. You can also create calculated fields from this view.
Step 3: Create Metrics and Logical Views
Once your model is ready, you can define Metrics - key business KPIs that can be reused across dashboards. Each metric includes its definition, filters, and alert settings for tracking trends over time.
For more data blending options, use a Logical View, which allows you to create unions or joins between multiple data objects, giving you flexible control over how your data is structured.
Step 4: Add Parameters and Test Your Model
Parameters are a powerful way to add interactivity. They let users adjust inputs - such as date ranges or category filters - directly within dashboards. Before publishing, use the Test Model feature to run quick queries and validate that your relationships and calculations work as expected.
Step 5: Build Visuals and Dashboards
Finally, it’s time to visualize. You can create visuals directly from the Semantic Model or from the workspace. Build anything from simple data tables to rich, interactive dashboards using the built-in design tools. Tableau Next even supports data tables that link to URLs or Salesforce data - functionality that isn’t available in Tableau Desktop.
Step 6: Explore with AgentForce
To take things further, use AgentForce for Analytics, an AI-powered assistant that lets you query your dashboards in natural language. It’s a quick way to surface insights without writing a single formula.
Hopefully this has been a useful intro to getting started in Tableau Next!