Orientation to Sigma for Tableau users
Sigma is much more powerful than traditional BI tools. If you are a Tableau user, here are some tips for transitioning to Sigma. For more information see Sigma vs Tableau.
Contents
Sigma grouped table versus Tableau pivot table
Sigma workbooks with pages versus Tableau worksheets and dashboards
Sigma data processing in the CDW
Explorer licenses for ad hoc data exploration
Sigma grouped table versus Tableau pivot table
In Sigma, a grouped table is more powerful than a pivot. Calculations with complex scope, which would require level of detail expressions (LODs) in Tableau, often can be implemented in a simpler way, using grouping in Sigma. See Create and manage tables.
Scope changing functions
Unlike in Tableau, changing the scope of an aggregation in Sigma is easy and does not require writing a complex, scope changing formula. The easiest way to change the scope of an aggregation is to place an aggregation formula into an appropriate grouping shelf of a grouped table. Also, if you want to change the scope of a calculation inside a pivot or a chart, you can use the functions SubTotal, PercentOfTotal or GrandTotal.
Parameters
Parameters in Sigma are similar to parameters in Tableau. In Sigma, you can define a parameter in a dataset, and reference the value of a control in a workbook formula.
Sigma workbooks with pages versus Tableau worksheets and dashboards
Sigma does’t have Tableau-style worksheets and dashboards. Sigma has workbooks with pages (sometimes called tabs). Workbook pages can be visible or hidden, so you can use a visible page for dashboard-style visualizations, and use hidden pages for table calculations and notes. See Workbooks overview and Hidden pages and controls in workbooks.
Sigma data processing in the CDW
In Sigma, all of the data processing is pushed to the CDW, so there is no data mashing from disparate sources. Sigma directly connects to the business data in your organization’s cloud data warehouse. Sigma pushes calculations, filters, sorts, and more to the data warehouse for execution.
Sigma materialization
Tableau has extracts, but when Sigma materializes query results, it stores them as tables in a designated area in the organization’s CDW. Sigma materializations can improve workbook performance. See Materialization.
Explorer licenses for ad hoc data exploration
Users with Can Explore permission can investigate a workbook without downloading additional software. See Folder and document permissions.
Related resources
Orientation for spreadsheet users