How should a Data Analyst establish a data source for real-time dashboards from mobile time logging data in a cloud-based database?

To effectively establish a data source for real-time dashboards from mobile time logging data in a cloud-based database, setting up a live connection and publishing it to Tableau Cloud is the best approach. A live connection allows Tableau to query the cloud-based database in real-time, ensuring that any updates to the mobile time logging data are immediately reflected in the dashboards. This is critical for applications where timely data insights are necessary, such as monitoring employee hours logged via mobile applications.

Publishing to Tableau Cloud enhances accessibility, enabling stakeholders to access the dashboard from anywhere. This setup effectively leverages the capabilities of Tableau and cloud technology, ensuring that the data visualizations remain dynamic and reliable, essential characteristics for real-time analytics.

In contrast, creating a static connection would not allow for real-time updates, and publishing the data source without a live connection would similarly limit the interactivity and timeliness of the dashboard. Creating a packaged workbook is more suited for sharing entire workbooks and does not specifically address the need for real-time data interactions with the source. Hence, the chosen option aligns perfectly with the requirements for real-time data integration and display.