Query Tableau Data in Slack - New Integration

Tableau Integrates Natural Language Querying with Slack

Tableau is set to unveil a new feature at the #Data21 customer conference designed to broaden data accessibility within organizations. This enhancement allows users to query their data directly within Slack using natural language.

Expanding Data Collaboration

According to Francois Ajenstat, Tableau’s chief product officer, this integration aims to seamlessly incorporate Tableau’s analytical power into Slack’s collaborative environment. Users will be able to receive alerts regarding data changes and interact with data without leaving the Slack application.

The integration allows Slack to function as a central hub for data inquiries. Users can now search the entire Tableau repository – encompassing all dashboards and data sources – directly from within Slack, eliminating the need to navigate between applications.

Leveraging Ask Data for Simplified Queries

A crucial aspect of this update is the ability to query data using natural language. By utilizing Tableau’s Ask Data feature, users can pose questions in plain language, making data analysis more approachable for everyone.

This functionality expands upon earlier announcements made this summer, including both Ask Data and Explain Data, according to Hyoun Park, CEO and chief analyst at Amalgam Insights.

Democratizing Data Analysis

Park suggests that this new query capability has the potential to unlock data analysis for individuals who previously lacked the technical skills for in-depth data interaction.

While other analytic solutions, like ThoughtSpot, offer similar natural language integrations with Slack, the speed and breadth of analysis tools accessible through the Tableau-Slack connection are significant. This represents a major step towards broadening analytic access for millions of users.

Slack as a Tableau Interface

Park further explains that Tableau’s approach effectively positions Slack as the primary user interface for the core Tableau product.

This integration also builds upon Einstein Discovery for Tableau, which allows Tableau to leverage Salesforce’s artificial intelligence capabilities.

AI-Powered Predictions

The Einstein capability delivers predictions directly within the workflow. Business users can utilize AI predictions on key data to identify root causes and receive actionable recommendations.

Strategic Integration Following Acquisitions

These announcements follow Salesforce’s substantial investments in both Tableau (acquired in 2019 for $15.7 billion) and Slack (acquired at the end of last year for over $27 billion). The company is focused on maximizing the synergy between these acquisitions.

Salesforce initially announced Slack integrations with its product suite in August, with Slack unveiling further integrations in September. These efforts aim to establish Slack as a unified interface for the entire Salesforce platform.