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Batch Data Transforms in Tableau Next (Beta)
A batch data transform is a repeatable series of operations that you can run when data updates. The first time you run a batch data transform, it pulls in data and defines it according to your steps. You can then run a transform manually or set it up to run at scheduled intervals.
A batch data transform provides a high-level view of your data flow by displaying nodes on a canvas. All your data objects are available on the canvas, where you can add more data, manipulate it, and write it to a data object.
The canvas shows the full sequence of operations. In this example, append, aggregate, filter, transform, and join nodes modify the data object input, and the results are written to a data object target. A transform node contains a group of transformations, formulas that you can combine in sequence. Built-in transformations include concatenation and column type conversations. You can also use a custom formula to combine date, string, numeric operations, window functions, and case statements.
Although the canvas doesn’t show individual transformations, you can select a transform node (1) to see its details (2).
You can select a transformation step in the left panel to preview the results of that transformation in the Preview tab. Similarly, select any node in the canvas to preview the results of that node.
When you run a batch data transform, it applies the function of each node on the input data and then outputs the results to the specified data object. You can then use that data object as input to other batch data transforms or in downstream processes.
When you save a data transform, specify a transform name and a definition name. You use the definition name to identify specific transform definitions and to combine multiple definitions into a single transform.
While accessing and creating batch data transforms differs in Tableau Next, the transformation capabilities, node functionality, and data processing logic are identical to Data 360. Use the custom Tableau Next pages to navigate the interface, and apply the shared core capabilities to configure your nodes.
| Batch DATA transform Features | Custom/shared | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Access Batch Data Transforms | Custom | Navigate through the Tableau workspace to view and access existing transforms. |
| Set a Currency for a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Convert data with multiple currencies to a single value. |
| Add a Batch Data Transform (Beta) | Custom | Create transforms through Add menu and workspace selection. |
| Work with Nodes in Batch Data Transforms | Shared | Overview of Input, Output, Append, Join, Aggregate, Filter, Transform, Update node types. |
| Add an Input Node to a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Add nodes to existing batch data transforms. |
| Combine Rows from Different Data Sources Using the Append Node | Custom | Append nodes to combine rows. |
| Best Practices for Building Batch Data Transforms | Shared | Best practices and recommendations for building efficient transforms. |
| Keep DMO Mappings When Deploying Data Transforms via Data Kits | Shared | Preserve field-level mappings for data model objects. |
| Preview Results in a Batch Data Transform | Shared | View data results at each node and transformation step in the canvas. |
| Edit a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Edit the batch data transforms by using Actions. |
| Delete a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Delete the batch data transforms by using Remove. |
| Batch Data Transforms Limitations in Tableau Next | Custom | Multi-definition merge is not supported. |
| Run a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Run the batch data transforms by using Run. |
| Schedule a Batch Data Transform | Custom | Schedule the batch data transforms by using Schedule Run. |
| Batch Data Transform Run Types | Shared | Understand full and incremental run types and how each processes data differently. |
| Check Batch Data Transform Status | Shared | View transform execution status and run history. |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Shared | Keyboard shortcuts for canvas navigation. |
