Tableau - Connecting to a data source on the OSU Tableau Server - Windows & Mac

Issue/Question

  • How do I connect to a data source on the OSU Tableau Server?

Environment

  • Oregon State University
  • Tableau

Explanation

People may be granted access to certain data models on the OSU Tableau server for use in building dashboards and carrying out analyses. Having a Tableau license key does not give someone access to these data models.

Caution: When connecting from off campus you need to be on the OSU VPN to connect to the OSU Analytics Tableau server. You can find help with the OSU VPN at: https://oregonstate.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1935/Portal/KB/?CategoryID=6889.

Resolution

  1. Start a new file in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Prep

    Note: You can get to this same menu from inside of a workbook by:

    1. Select "Data Source" in the bottom left hand corner of the window
    2. Select "Add" at the top of the left hand side bar
    3. Follow the rest of the steps in these directions
  2. On the start screen, select "Tableau Server" in the "Search for Data" section of the "Connect" left hand sidebar.
  3. If you are already connected to the Tableau server, you will see a dialog box title "Processing Request" as show in the figure below.

    Note: If you do not see the above message of processing request but see a "Tableau Server Sign In" dialog box, then you need to connect to the OSU Tableau Server first to see the data sources on the server. Steps on connecting to the OSU Tableau server can be found at https://oregonstate.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1935/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=125226
  4. Select a data source from the list of published data sources. Data that you don't have permission to connect to for is grayed out.

    Note: You can only see and connect to data sources that are provided to you on OSU Tableau Server. 

    Note: Search for data by using the Search box. Or you can sort the list by selecting the column headers. Column headers that support sorting are underlined when you hover over the header. You can also select the filter icon to filter data by Connection Type and by Certified.
  5. After you select the data you want to connect to, click Connect. The data fields available in the model will populate in the left hand data sidebar of the Tableau main screen.

Modified from the Tableau documentation at: https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/examples_tableauserver.htm.

Version: 2021.4
Applies to: Tableau Desktop, Tableau Online, Tableau Prep, Tableau Server

Assistance

For assistance, contact the UIT Data Team

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