3 Replies Latest reply on Oct 6, 2017 1:05 PM by Cathy Bridges

    Field Mapping Erased When Updating Data Source

    Nathan Schneider
    Nathan Schneider Oct 5, 2017 10:55 AM

      I have a data extract on Tableau Server that refreshes nightly. I wanted to make an update to the source, so I rebuilt the data source from scratch (connected SQL tables, created calculated fields, extracted the data and then published the extract to Tableau Server). I made sure to rename the data source the same as the one I was replacing, and to rename all of the calculated fields the same as the corresponding ones on the old data source.

       

      I opened up a workbook that was connected to the old data source, clicked Refresh and expected everything to look the same since the data source and fields were all named the same. However, I saw errors next to all of the old calculated fields along with a "1" at the end.

       

      So I had to update all of my worksheets that had these fields within it. Also, any calculation that was dependent on these fields were replaced with a static [CalculationXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] (some long number string), and the field was now erroneous.

       

      I'm wondering why I received this issue? I would have thought that since the field names were the same, I wouldn't have an issue. But it seems like when you create a calculated field and then extract the data, Tableau assigns a static ID to any calculated field. Is that what's happening?

        • 1. Re: Field Mapping Erased When Updating Data Source
          Cathy Bridges
          Cathy Bridges Oct 6, 2017 12:22 PM (in response to Nathan Schneider)

          Here are the steps I typically use in a case like this:

          1. Re-create your data connections - use the same fields and field names as original connection **Do NOT re-create any calculated fields
          2. Connect your new data source in addition to the old data source
          3. Look over your source fields (without = in front) to ensure you haven't re-named any of the fields in your prior version. If you have aliased fields, change the name in your new data connection as well.
          4. Highlight any calculated dimensions (starting with =), then right-click and select copy
          5. Switch your view to your new data source (just click on the name)
          6. Right-click in the dimensions window and select paste. Your calculated dimensions should now show up with no (1) afterward and no exclamation points.
          7. Repeat the above 3 steps with any calculated measures.
          8. To preserve any formatting based on your data source (colors, etc.), click through and let each dashboard render.
          9. Now you can right-click on your original data source and select "Replace Data Source", then select your new data source.
          10. Click through your dashboards - they should all be fine now.

           

          A lot of steps and a complicated process, I know. It would be great if it were easier and/or more intuitive. Sometimes it is easy, but other times you have to be careful to handle all of Tableau's little picky things as you go. If you do it enough times it becomes second nature and much faster.

          • 2. Re: Field Mapping Erased When Updating Data Source
            Nathan Schneider
            Nathan Schneider Oct 6, 2017 12:25 PM (in response to Cathy Bridges)

            Thanks so much for the well thought out and informative post!

            • 3. Re: Field Mapping Erased When Updating Data Source
              Cathy Bridges
              Cathy Bridges Oct 6, 2017 1:05 PM (in response to Cathy Bridges)

              You're very welcome! Took me years (really), to get that whole process down pat. Ugh.

               

              P.S. Just found out from a reliable source that you do not, in fact, have to click through every dashboard in step 8. Instead, switch to thumbnail view, right-click and "Refresh All Thumbnails". This stores the formatting metadata in Tableau's memory banks so that it's available when you make the switch. Otherwise it will revert to defaults.