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.

Note Data Transform Builder is a pilot or beta service that is subject to the Beta Services Terms at Agreements - Salesforce.com or a written Unified Pilot Agreement if executed by Customer, and applicable terms in the Product Terms Directory. Use of this pilot or beta service is at the Customer's sole discretion.

Note In Salesforce Help: Batch Data Transforms, “field” and “column” are used interchangeably.

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.

Note Tableau Next Batch Data Transforms provide the same functionalities and the core capabilities as Data 360, but with select entry points and UI elements specific to Tableau Next.

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.