Tableau: Data Transfer Guide

Automatic Data Transfer From ApartmentIQ Into Tableau

Written By Jaime Dorn (Super Administrator)

Updated at July 27th, 2024

Table of Contents


Importing data from ApartmentIQ into Tableau is a straightforward process, and it can be easily done using the built-in functionality of Tableau. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to import data from a CSV file from your ApartmentIQ URL endpoint into Tableau:
 

  1. Open Tableau Desktop: Launch Tableau Desktop on your computer. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the official Tableau website.
     
  2. Connect to Data: Once Tableau is open, you will be on the start page. Click on the "Connect to Data" pane
     
  3. Choose Web Data Connector: In the "Connect" pane, find and select "Web Data Connector" from the list of available connectors.

 

 

  1. Enter ApartmentIQ URL: In the Web Data Connector dialog, you will see a URL input field. Enter the ApartmentIQ Data Sync URL endpoint.

 

 

 

  1. Click Connect: After entering the URL, click the "Connect" button. Tableau will connect to the specified URL and attempt to retrieve the data.
     
  2. Configure Data: Once connected, Tableau may prompt you to configure or select specific data elements. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the data source as needed.
     
  3. Review Data: Tableau will fetch the data from the provided URL, and you will be presented with a preview of the data. Review the fields and data types to ensure everything is imported correctly.
     
  4. Load Data: If everything looks correct, click the "Sheet" tab to start working with the data. Tableau will load the data into the workbook.
     
  5. Create Visualizations: With the data loaded, you can start creating visualizations by dragging and dropping fields onto the rows and columns shelves.
     
  6. Save Workbook: Once you have created your visualizations, save your Tableau workbook for future use. Click "File" and then "Save" or "Save As" to store your work.
     

That's it! You have successfully imported data from a CSV file hosted at an ApartmentIQ URL endpoint into Tableau. You can now explore, analyze, and visualize the data using Tableau's powerful features.


Automatic Data Refresh

To automate the process of updating data in Tableau on a daily basis, you can utilize Tableau's scheduling options along with a few additional tools or techniques. Here's a general guide on how to set up a daily data refresh:

  1. Publish Data Source to Tableau Server or Tableau Online: If you're not already using Tableau Server or Tableau Online, you'll need to publish your workbook and data source to one of these platforms. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to publish to the server.
     
  2. Data Source Extract: Ensure that your data source is set up as an extract (.hyper) rather than a live connection. Extracts allow you to create a snapshot of the data that can be refreshed periodically.
     
  3. Schedule Extract Refresh: 
  •  On Tableau Server or Tableau Online, navigate to the Data Source page. Locate your data source, and click on the ellipsis (...) to access the menu. Choose "Extract Options" and then select the "Extract" tab.
     
  • Enable the "Extract" option if it's not already enabled, and set the refresh schedule to daily. Specify the time at which you want the data to be refreshed.
     
  1. Configure Data Source Refresh in Tableau Online/Server:
  • In Tableau Online or Tableau Server, go to the project where your workbook is published. Navigate to the "Data" tab and find your data source.
     
  • Click on the ellipsis (...) next to your data source, select "Refresh Schedule," and configure the refresh frequency (daily) and time.
     
  1. Tableau Server Client (Optional): If you are using Tableau Server and need more control over the scheduling, you can use the Tableau Server Client (TSC) Python library. This allows you to script the refresh process.
     

By following these steps, you can set up an automated daily refresh for your Tableau data source. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on your Tableau Server or Tableau Online version, so it's recommended to refer to the official Tableau documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.