Connecting Adobe Analytics to Tableau: A Guide to the Options Available

When working with Tableau for data visualization, connecting it with Adobe Analytics can be a bit tricky. As of now, there is no out-of-the-box connector developed by either Adobe or Tableau to seamlessly transfer data between the two platforms. However, there are several methods to make this connection possible, depending on your specific needs and resources.

Option 1: Using Raw Clickstream Feeds

One of the most powerful and flexible ways to connect Adobe Analytics with Tableau is by having Adobe send you the raw clickstream data for a report suite. Once you receive these clickstream files, you can process and load them into a database of your choice. This approach gives you access to raw data, which you can use Tableau to explore in-depth.

If you are looking for full control over your data and want to perform custom analysis, this is the way to go. However, it does require a good amount of processing power and setup on your end to get the data in the right format for Tableau.

Option 2: Using Summary Data via API and Data Warehouse

Another option for connecting Adobe Analytics with Tableau is through summary data pulled via Adobe's API or Data Warehouse. Both of these methods produce output that can be loaded into your database. If your reporting requirements are less complex and your deployment is on a smaller scale, using the API or Warehouse may be sufficient.

However, if you have a large-scale deployment, this approach can become cumbersome. You may need to create complex queries for the API or generate large numbers of extracts from the Data Warehouse. For example, if you have 300 report suites, you could end up with 3,000 to 6,000 daily extracts across all suites. Managing such a large number of exports, detecting failures, and troubleshooting can become extremely time-consuming.

In this scenario, using a raw clickstream feed for each suite may be a more efficient option.

Option 3: Data Warehouse Files Supported by Tableau

For those who prefer an easier, more hands-off approach, you can use files processed from Adobe's Data Warehouse that are supported by Tableau. The following file types can be ingested directly into Tableau:

• Tableau Workbook (.twb)

• Tableau Packaged Workbook (.twbx)

These formats are fully compatible with Tableau, allowing you to load and visualize your Adobe Analytics data more easily.

New Adobe Analytics Connector for Tableau

In an exciting update (as of September 2020), a new Adobe Analytics Connector for Tableau Software was introduced by Daexus. This connector is secure, easy to use, and best of all, it’s free! With this tool, you can quickly import your Adobe Analytics data into Tableau without the hassle of complex queries or manual exports.

If you’re looking for a quick and reliable way to connect Adobe Analytics to Tableau, this new connector may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Check out more details about the connector here: Adobe Analytics Connector

Using Adobe Analytics Reporting API

If you prefer a more technical approach, another option is to use Adobe Analytics' Reporting API. This API allows you to fetch the data directly from Adobe Analytics and ingest it into Tableau. While this method requires some knowledge of API integration and data handling, it provides a great deal of flexibility for more advanced reporting needs.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for connecting Adobe Analytics with Tableau. The best approach will depend on your specific reporting requirements, the scale of your deployment, and your technical capabilities. Whether you choose to use raw clickstream feeds, summary data via the API, or one of the many other options available, there are ways to bridge the gap between Adobe Analytics and Tableau and leverage the powerful data visualization capabilities of Tableau.

For those who are looking for a straightforward and secure connection, the new Daexus Adobe Analytics Connector offers a simple solution. However, for more advanced users, the API and raw data methods provide ultimate flexibility.

If you want to learn more about setting up the integration, check out this helpful YouTube video tutorial.

Happy analyzing!