Interactive Data Visualization using Tableau for Superstore Dataset Analysis

This project aims to develop an interactive data visualization using Tableau for Superstore dataset analysis. The dataset taken for this BI analysis project is ‘Sample-Superstore.xls’ data set. The research questions include identifying the products bought mostly by people from which region, products with more profit even though sold with high discount rate, and comparing the discount, profit and sale of each categorized products. The design section discusses how the solution evolved from initial ideas proposed at the presentation to the final paper prototype design and implementations. The implementation section explains the three essential steps involved in creating any Tableau data analysis report. The evaluation section evaluates the project as a whole including reflections on personal learning and the relative merits of the data visualization tools used.

Data Visualization
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Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Dataset Description....................................................................................................................2
1.2 Research Questions....................................................................................................................2
2. Design.................................................................................................................................................3
3. Implementation..................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Data source Connection.............................................................................................................6
3.2 Measurement and Dimension Selection...................................................................................9
3.3 Apply Data Visualization technique.......................................................................................11
4. Evaluation........................................................................................................................................15
5. Conclusion........................................................................................................................................17
References................................................................................................................................................17
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1. Introduction
The main objective of this project is to develop an interactive data visualisation, using a
tool like Tableau, in order to gain demonstrably useful insight into a complex dataset. For this
project sample Superstore dataset is taken to do analysis. To do the dataset analysis, we will use
‘Tableau Software’. The objectives of this project is listed below.
1) To describe the dataset taken in this project and to determine the user type and to plan
the questions
2) In design section, we will discuss that how our solution evolved from initial ideas
proposed at the presentation to your final paper prototype design and
implementations.
3) In Implementation, we will discuss about how we implemented our design by using
our chosen data visualisation tools.
4) The obtained screenshots and data visualization process steps what we carried out
will be discussed in detail.
5) In Evaluation section, we will evaluate critically the project as a whole including
reflections on your personal learning (to date and looking forward) and the relative
merits of the data visualisation tools used.
1.1 Dataset Description
The dataset taken for this BI analysis project is ‘Sample-Superstore.xls’ data set. In this
dataset, there are three sheets provided. In the Order table, Row ID, Order ID, Order Date, Ship
Date, Ship Mode, Customer ID, Customer Name, Segment, Country, City, State, Postal Code,
Region, Product ID, Category, Sub-Category, Product Name, Sales, Quantity, Discount and
Profit are the attributes. In the Returned Table, onely two attributes are stored and they are
Returned and Order ID. In third table, Person and region attributes are stored. This data set is
obtained from the website https://community.tableau.com/docs/DOC-1236.
1.2 Research Questions
1) What are the products are bought mostly by people from which region?
2) What are the products has more profit even though it has sold with high discount rate?
3) Compare the discount, profit and sale of each categorized products.
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4) Using Global Superstore, identify the Sub-Categories where Top 20 Customers that have
Sales more than the other Sub-Categories in the same Region.
5) 3)Using Global Superstore, identify the Regions where Top 20 Customers that have
overall Profit Ratio (Profit as % of Sales) which is double the Profit Ratio of other
Customers in the Region.
2. Design
Tableau is unique with regards to setting up featuring activities crosswise over
worksheets, so exploit these in our maps and dashboards. Tableau enables individuals to change
information into noteworthy bits of knowledge (MERCIER, 2017). Investigate with boundless
visual examination. Assemble dashboards and perform prompt examinations in only a couple of
snaps. Offer our work with anybody and have an effect on our business. From worldwide
undertakings to beginning period new companies and private companies, individuals wherever
utilize Tableau to see and comprehend their information. With various worksheets on a
dashboard, make sure to exploit the plan apparatuses in Tableau to all the more likely incorporate
the guide into our outline. We'll additionally need to ensure that the types for information on the
individual dashboards coordinate (Moore and Berk, 2013).
By setting up a feature activity in view of the area number, the user can investigate one
region at any given moment. Something else, it's excessively overpowering, making it
impossible to see the examples of progress with the confused fringes on each guide.
It's anything but difficult to set this up on a dashboard. We'll have to utilize a different
worksheet to fill in as our legend permission and to set up activities connecting our 'legend' to
alternate worksheets on our dashboard. Likewise, for our information, ensure that the types that
we utilize have similar qualities over the majority of the permits on the dashboard. Conflictingly
repeating types will make it almost inconceivable for most users to accurately decipher the
information (Moore and Drecki, 2013).
Consider a case where we think about the quantity of business and private building
licenses issued around the Las Vegas, Nevada zone. In the event that we utilize the default
shading encoding for the two maps we have an enormous contrast in the significance of the green
shades on the grounds that there such a significant number of fewer business development
licenses.
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In some cases the best information maps tell harmless untruths—and that is alright! In
this dashboard by Josh Tapley and Jake Riley, which indicates reasons for mortality around the
U.S., the creator moved Alaska and Hawaii to new areas with the goal that the perspective of the
U.S. fits in a littler impression.
In Tableau, utilizing "inset" maps enables a client to communicate straightforwardly with
the information in a solitary worksheet, rather than using separate worksheets for the mainland.
As a matter of course, a worksheet is a rectangular shape on a dashboard—yet our guide
doesn't need to be that constrained. Since geographic highlights are once in a while a decent
square shape fit as a fiddle, have a go at trying different things with an alternate hope to flavor up
our lower. At times a static realistic is all that we have to recount the entire information story.
For something straightforward, where the guide is only a reference and doesn't should be
intelligent, consider utilizing only a realistic rather than a worksheet.
In the event that we are utilizing a guide information representation where it isn't basic
for a user to zoom in and take a gander at point by point areas, we can secure panning and
zooming.
This keeps the client from coincidentally changing the show, which is especially helpful
for those investigating information on a cell phone or little screen. Locking the degree of the
guide is anything but difficult to do, simply select Map > Map Options, and after that uncheck
the "Permit Pan and Zoom" alternative (Evans, 2002).
To consistently fit our guide into our dashboard, utilize the shading picker. Match types
with the goal that the guide supplements our dashboard's general plan. This works for changing
types for the imprints on the guide and in addition for coordinating foundations on the base guide
(and for the content boxes or different worksheets on a dashboard) (Condorcet, 2016).
Tableau software provides numerous unique advantages to its clients, and as indicated by
fulfilled organizations, helps to examine the data in a way which drivers choices a productive
way. Here are the most noticeable Tableau benefits you should think about:
Association with Different Information Sources
To begin with, Tableau's efficiency suite enables you to interface it to various
information sources you're as of now utilizing, import and envision information in a matter of
minutes. Because of the modernized innovation and speed of task, the organization cases to have
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built up a 1o to 100 times quicker information investigation instrument than the one its rivals can
offer.
Natural and Simple Interface
For such an innovative framework, Tableau is intelligibly simple to utilize, and makes it
feasible to carry information for investigation with couple of basic simplified moves. This
implies the item is natural notwithstanding for all kinds of clients, and doesn't require some
investment, programming information, or costly preparing for groups to get a handle on it.
Driven Assistance
Cooperation highlights are additionally included to encourage gather investigation, and
guarantee that all colleagues are in agreement. The greater part of Tableau's usefulness is
grouped on an open dashboard, where clients can access and process information with just
couple of snaps. The best part about it is the dedicated portable application for various gadgets
which guarantees exercises can be finished paying little mind to the operator's area. At that point,
specialists can utilize a similar application to share their accomplishments and welcome
associates to team up.
A few strategies for data investigation
Tableau examines information in a wide range of routes, beginning with substantial,
conventional dashboards, and winding up with complex cloud-based source investigations.
Rather than directing examinations with a solitary technique, the client can consolidate
methodologies and information perspectives to make bits of knowledge more extravagant.
Toward the end, all conclusions are displayed in thorough information representations, made so
straightforward that you can undoubtedly impart them to customers and accomplices from
various businesses.
Adaptable Valuing and Arrangement
Tableau gives clients the likelihood to pick whether they need to send it in cloud or on
their nearby servers, and provides yearly memberships and single-installment licenses to meet
the limit of various organizations. It is on account of this adaptable approach that Tableau is
made open to organizations from all scales and enterprises.
Compact help
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Tableau gives clients access to a dependable technical support group, and robotizes
information updates to enable organizations to get new data without squandering their
opportunity.
3. Implementation
There are three essential advances associated with making any Tableau information
investigation report. These three stages are explained in detail.
1) Associate with an information source − It includes finding the information and
utilizing a suitable kind of association with read the information.
2) Pick measurements and measures − this includes choosing the required sections from
the source information for examination.
3) Apply representation strategy − This includes applying required perception strategies,
for example, a particular diagram or chart compose to the information being
investigated.
For our convenience, how about we utilize the example informational index that
accompanies Tableau establishment named test – superstore.xls. Find the establishment envelope
of Tableau and go to My Tableau Repository. Under it, we will locate the above record at
Datasources\9.2\en_US-US.
3.1 Data source Connection
On opening Tableau, we will get the begin page demonstrating different information
sources. Under the header "Interface", we have choices to pick a record or server or spared
information source. Under Files, pick exceed expectations. At that point explore to the record
"Test – Superstore.xls" as specified previously. The exceed expectations document has three
sheets named Orders, People and Returns. Pick "Orders"
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The above screenshot shows that the start page of the Tableau software.
To connect the dataset into this tool, we choose ‘Microsoft Excel’ option.
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Then the Sample –Superstore.xls dataset is opened.
The ‘Orders’ sheet is dragged into the workspace.
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Then the ‘Order’ table is connect to ‘People’ sheet with inner join.
Then ‘Returns’ table is joined with the other two sheets.
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Then the inner joined data are shown as below. Totally 800 rows in this data sheet.
3.2 Measurement and Dimension Selection
Next, pick the information to be examined by settling on the measurements and
measures. Measurements are the engaging information while measures are numeric information.
At the point when assembled, they help envision the execution of the dimensional information
concerning the information which are measures.
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Pick Category and Region as the measurements and Sales as the measure. Simplified
them as appeared in the accompanying screen capture. The outcome demonstrates the aggregate
deals in every classification for every area.
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3.3 Apply Data Visualization technique
In the past advance, we can see that the information is accessible just as numbers. We
need to peruse and compute every one of the qualities to judge the execution. Notwithstanding,
we can consider them to be diagrams or graphs with various types to make a snappier judgment.
We simplified the whole (deals) segment from the Marks tab to the Columns rack. The
table demonstrating the numeric estimations of offers presently transforms into a bar diagram
naturally. We can apply a procedure of adding another measurement to the current information.
This will add more types to the current bar outline as appeared in the accompanying screen
capture.
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The above shown figure describes that the sales carried out on each region and the ship
more. When comparing to other three region, the West Region people are bought many products.
The above shown figure shows that the Discount, Profit and sales of each categories such
as Furniture, Office Supplies and Technology.
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The above figure shows that the products with their profit and discount are compared.
The figure above there is a few clients accumulated in east district, the orange and blue
types demonstrate us benefit proportion. Most productive deals is on most east on states, and
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generally west. What's more, most non gainful deals accumulated in south locale and south east
area. So we can do need deals in view of area where clients orders.
On shutting the beginning window, you get the fundamental interface with all the
accessible Menu orders. They speak to the whole arrangement of highlights accessible in
Tableau. Different areas of the menu are appeared in the accompanying chart. Next, you can see
a few subtle elements of every menu.
File Menu
This menu is utilized to make another Tableau exercise manual and open existing
exercise manuals from both the neighborhood framework and Tableau server. The vital
highlights in this menu are −
 Exercise manual Locale sets the dialect to be utilized as a part of the report.
 Paste Sheets glues a sheet into the present exercise manual, which is replicated from
another exercise manual.
 Tab Packaged Workbook alternative is utilized to make a bundled exercise manual,
which will be imparted to different clients.
Data Menu
This menu is utilized to make new information source to get the information for
examination and perception. It additionally enables you to supplant or update the current
information source.
The essential highlights in this menu are as per the following −
 New Data Source permits to see every one of the sorts of associations accessible and
browse it.
 Invigorate All Extracts revives the information from the source.
 Alter Relationships alternative characterizes the fields in excess of one information
hotspot for connecting.
Worksheet Menu
This menu is utilized to make another worksheet alongside different show highlights, for
example, demonstrating the title and subtitles, and so forth.
The essential highlights in this menu are as per the following −
 Show Summary permits to see the rundown of the information utilized as a part of the
worksheet, for example, check, and so on.
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 Tooltip demonstrates the tooltip while floating above different information fields.
 Run Update alternative updates the worksheet information or channels utilized.
Dashboard Menu
This menu is utilized to make another dashboard alongside different show highlights, for
example, demonstrating the title and sending out the picture, and so on.
The essential highlights in this menu are as per the following −
 Configuration sets the design as far as types and areas of the dashboard.
 Activities interface the dashboard sheets to outside URLs or different sheets.
 Tab Image choice fares a picture of the Dashboard.
4. Evaluation
Data Visualization is progressively a fundamental component of Business Intelligence
(BI). Never again limited to particular applications, information perception as diagrams, maps,
and other graphical portrayals is empowering business clients to more readily comprehend
information and utilize it to accomplish strategic and vital targets. In addition, information
representation is inciting a social move toward more diagnostic, information driven business and
activities by engaging clients to investigate, in a graphically welcoming medium, information
that was already accessible just in unthinkable reports. Based on a Web study of BI experts and
meetings with BI professionals what's more, specialists, finds that information perception is
amidst a wonderful development stage. It additionally uncovers that information representation
contributes stunningly to changes in business client knowledge and efficiency, and additionally
utilization of Dashboards (the favoured medium for information perception). For example, 74%
of our study respondents credit information representation for a "high" or "high" increment in
business client bits of knowledge.
In any case, information perception is never a fitting and-play arrangement, and one size does
not fit all. Dashboard outline and use can and ought to shift by kinds of clients (for instance,
officials versus forefront staff), reason (key, strategic, operational), and industry and
authoritative culture (a medicinal services association versus a dress maker). Customization,
coordinated effort, and emphasis are required for associations to work intuitive visual detailing
and examination arrangements that convey most extreme advantages.
Even though a few information is more qualified to non-visual rendering, unmistakably
old propensities hard core. Numerous officials and supervisors, for instance, have run tasks for a
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considerable length of time utilizing content based spending plans and plans made in Excel.
Similarly, business examiners, who are for the most part Excel racers, are frequently more alright
with lattices of information since that is the way they've generally interfaced with data.
Subsequently, it's occasionally hard to present visual choices. For instance, Bruce Yen, chief of
business insight at the GUESS attire organization, experienced obstruction when he supplanted
content and numeral-based reports with graphs.
Another issue is that numerous visual showcases are so ineffectively composed that they really
compel clients to work harder to get data they require. For instance, clients will dismiss another
visual interface on the off chance that it constrains them to click at least one times to see related
data that they think ought to be on a solitary page. Clients will end up baffled if the visual outline
is decorative to the point that it is diverting or clouds the importance of the information. All
around planned perceptions ought to pass on substantially more data initially than clients can
ingest by taking a gander at numbers. Furthermore, a few creators may pack excessively data and
usefulness into a visual announcing or investigation apparatus and overpower new clients. The
best visual showcases present new usefulness and data step by step after some time. As clients
turn out to be more comfortable with the new condition, they commonly need to see more
information on a solitary screen and demand more capacities to control the information.
Perception instruments that uncover information and usefulness on request will have higher rates
of appropriation among clients.
5. Conclusion
The main objective of this project is to develop an interactive data visualisation, using a
tool like Tableau, in order to gain demonstrably useful insight into a complex dataset. For this
project sample Superstore dataset is taken to do analysis. To do the dataset analysis, we will use
‘Tableau Software’. We described that the dataset taken in this project and to determine the user
type and to plan the questions. In design section, we have discussed that how our solution
evolved from initial ideas proposed at the presentation to your final paper prototype design and
implementations. In Implementation, we have discussed about how we implemented our design
by using our chosen data visualisation tools. The obtained screenshots and data visualization
process steps what we carried out are discussed in detail. In Evaluation section, we have
evaluated critically the project as a whole including reflections on your personal learning (to date
and looking forward) and the relative merits of the data visualisation tools used.
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References
Condorcet, J. (2016). Esquisse d'un tableau historique des progrès de l' esprit
humain. Paris: Encyclopaedia Universalis.
Evans, R. (2002). Art, science and informatics. Vancouver: Faculty of Forestry,
University of British Columbia.
MERCIER, L. (2017). TABLEAU DE PARIS,. [S.l.]: FORGOTTEN BOOKS.
Moore, A. and Berk, S. (2013). Geospatial visualisation. New York: Springer.
Moore, A. and Drecki, I. (2013). Geospatial visualisation. Berlin: Springer.
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