Implementing Tableau using the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach

Perhaps you’ve heard of the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) before. Still, we find that not everyone is familiar with it. In this blog, we explain what an MVP is and how this approach works in a Tableau implementation.

During Tableau projects, I like to follow the principle: start with the low-hanging fruit. This means we get started with the software quickly and bring a few dashboards into production early on, adding immediate value. From this starting point, we add more content and complexity in short iterations. As a result, the implementation is not only visible and engaging for everyone, but new features also appear regularly. This makes adopting the solution accessible.

Low-hanging fruit

The low-hanging fruit that we develop first is what we call the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). For Tableau, this means we determine together which dashboards are part of the MVP. A dashboard consists of one or more tables or graphs. For instance, a dashboard can provide insights into revenue and margin figures, with different cross-sections. We typically recommend defining a maximum of ten dashboards as the MVP. These dashboards often provide new insights or make existing information more easily accessible.

Tableau implementation

Sometimes the MVP consists of just one dashboard, such as revenue and margin figures. This dashboard can go live within one to two weeks: a recognizable and understandable starting point. After that, we work in short iterations to add more content. For example, we might add a dashboard for Accounts Receivable and customer payment behavior, followed by a similar dashboard for Accounts Payable. More and more departments and employees gain access to Tableau, and the solution gradually expands. Often, we see employees getting excited and wanting their own dashboards as well. A colleague from department A might see a great dashboard at department B and think: “I want that too!”

The MVP process

Especially in times when there is hesitancy around large investments, this approach presents opportunities. By working in this way, the Tableau implementation is not only more cost-effective, but the time investment for you as a customer is also minimal.

The MVP process goes as follows: first, we plan a brainstorming session to determine the MVP dashboards together. Then we install and configure Tableau (on-premise or in the cloud) and develop the MVP dashboards. Afterward, we go live with these dashboards and provide training for key users. This whole process usually takes no longer than a few weeks.