The corrections and feedback have slowed to a trickle so I figure that means it’s time to get this out there. Here it is – the 2nd edition of the “Designing Efficient Workbooks” whitepaper, newly updated for 8.1 and with some hints for 8.2.

http://www.tableausoftware.com/learn/whitepapers/designing-efficient-workbooks

The whitepaper has been restructured in this new edition to have a more logical flow, built around a series of key questions:

• What is efficiency?
• Why do we care?
• Is it the workbook design?
• Is it the data connection?
• Is it the query?
• Is it the calculations?
• Is it a desktop vs. server thing?
• Are there other factors to consider?

Please let me know if you find any errors or if I have left anything important out. My heartfelt thanks to those of you who have already reviewed and offered feedback – this truly is a collaborative document.