TABLEAU: create a global filter from secondary data source to multiple data sources in control panel
I have a Tableau dashboard with various visualizations generated from 3 data sources (i.e. A, B, C).
Each data source has a relationship (union) with the same secondary data source (ie D), and the secondary data sources provide information to create a filter for each data source. In other words, the following relationship exists for my data sources: A - D B - D C - D
I would like to create a global filter on a toolbar that I have created. I would like one filter card from "D" to be displayed and applied to "A", "B" and "C" at the same time, rather than a separate filter card for each data source.
I tried to create a global filter using a parameter and a calculated field, but this requires connection layers because data sources "A, B and C" only have "D".
Thoughts?
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Not entirely clear from your question, but it looks like you are using Tableau data blending in your sheets to include data from multiple data sources rather than joining in creating a data source based on multiple tables. If all of your tables are on the same database server or spreadsheet, then traditional joins are usually more efficient than mixing data.
The following approach often works well.
Instead of using Tableau's quick filter feature, create a purely D based worksheet that shows the values you want to filter. It could be a simple list of names, or a bubble chart, or whatever. Use this worksheet as a filter by creating activities where it is the source and all other sheets in the dashboard are the target. Typically, you must explicitly specify the field names.
Mixing data is useful but can be tricky. Depending on the details, you may need to make D the main data source on other sheets. Experiment.
The parameter and the calculated field you mentioned might be even simpler and faster than using actions, but users can select one value for the parameter, as opposed to the filter action approach. (Of course, a single parameter value can represent multiple values in your target data source field, depending on how the calculated field interprets the parameter.)
I can't tell you why it didn't work for you or what you mean by connection layers. You may want to consider that part of your question.
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