what is the first video training you would give BI developers?

[daveatkins]

Many of the Qlik videos use features we don't currently use; I am looking for a "BI developer-oriented" introduction that would focus on the load script and NOT encourage users to use the data manager or upload attachments. Users are proficient in SQL and need to learn how to use the Qlik load script to execute their stored procedures or queries they have written and bring those into a data model. Some of the main "adjustments" they will need to comprehend are:

1) the associative model and considerations like the need to rename columns to avoid synthetic keys and how to create concatenated keys, and a context for using the data model viewer to understand what is being loaded.

2) the idea of a master calendar and how this can make reporting easier

3) judicious use of preceding load, what Qlik joins are vs SQL, ApplyMap(), and what concatenate means for Qlik vs say union all in SQL

4) the concept of dimensions, measures, and fields for visualization/charts

The main thing I want to avoid is the generic overview videos that encourage users to do "low code" work that creates a lot of backend refactoring work for the team. Developers will need to get the basics of qlik and quickly  move on to concepts like set analysis so they can create expressions on charts, but that is a huge leap. Definintely don't need any AI or Insights, etc. Basically, I am looking to replicate the course I took a decade ago for QlikView Advanced Developer training but for QlikSense and deliver it to a team of Tableau developers so they can learn Qlik development quickly.

Nothing against the cool new capabilities of QlikSense, but these BI developers need to learn what's under the hood first so they can build and modify applications being used by end users and migrate a lot of Tableau dashboards that need to be repurposed for Qlik.

[Or]

Gotta be honest - I wouldn't have these people watch a video. A presentation followed by a hands-on session would work much better for this, and you can specifically adapt it to Tableau terminology to make it easier as well. I haven't helped anyone make the switch from Tableau, but with other similar platforms, I've found that people generally need their hand held for the first part because it's kind of an overwhelming paradigm shift between classic SQL/MDX and Qlik logic. 

Once people have the basic concepts down, finding videos or training material on specific subjects shouldn't be too hard.

[daveatkins]

I agree; that's my plan (pairing developers up to work on real projects). I was hoping to find something to give people in advance but my search of Qlik training found lots of things I don't want people to learn.

[marksouzacosta]

Hi @daveatkins,

@igoralcantara is the Director of Education at IPC Global. Maybe he can give you good directions about your request.

Regards,

Mark Costa

[igoralcantara]

We have a recorded training in our training platform for new developers and it covers all that you said. It has been successful. That is similar to the official Qlik training I am giving to people all over the US for at least 15 years. 

I only show Data Manager in the Business Analyst course because it is what is asked in the QSBA certification exam, but for developers in 90% load script and data modeling, including Interval Match, Link Tables, Calendar and more. 10% is other stuff like Aggr and Set Analysis.

A good idea is one single video that fast tract a simple example from script to visualization. @marksouzacosta I guess that exactly your style.

[TheLazyDeveloper]

I agree with @Or , we host our own training sessions for new analyst in Qlik and have better retention compared to just having them watch videos. We focus on the topics you mentioned and avoid the data manager. We created dummy data for users to create their first data models with that hold issues that we see common such as date formats. I think it would be best for you to create your own slides since you know what the users need. One thing you will need to consider is the increase in questions/meetings after you're trainings, we always have an uptick the first few weeks. 

[daveatkins]

honestly, we have found that giving the new user a project to do and then having experienced developer available to coach them *while they drive* is the most effective way to get people up to speed. I have done a few trainings and demos but things do not "stick" until the person is doing it for themselves. Thanks for the suggestions though this confirms what content we think is valuable.

[TheLazyDeveloper]

We thought of doing side projects for the new users, but they are usually assigned their own project by their manager or given an already published Qlik app that they need to fix or add on to. That's where we conduct most of our additional one-on-one meetings, where we help ‘coach’ them through their data problems. You could also develop an advance course for the users to take after a set period of time developing. Have fun!