Output multiple flows to one file with dynamic name?

Question

Hi, I have a workflow that splits off to 4 separate flows. The first workflow picks up an excel template and copies it to an output folder and pastes the output data into a named tab, then finally renames the template to include the current date in the format of YYYY.MM_.xlsx What I am trying to do is have the final three workflows then point to this output file with the dynamic name and paste the data where it needs to be. Everything works if I have the output path with the actual current filename - 2023.04_.xlsx What I need help with - how do I change this output so that it works with a wildcard filename? If I change the output path to *.xlsx|||$ then Alteryx is throwing an error of 'Unable to Open archive for zipping....the filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. I have tried the solution in the subsequent flows to include a formula tool to include the path in a column, use that as the output etc but that creates other issues. Thanks.

binu_acs · Answer

@Baz123 Since the schema is different you can use the batch macro to write all the files into one file with different tabs

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Knowledge-Base/The-Ultimate-Input-Data-Flowchart/ta-p/20480

Baz123 · Answer

OK, I think I have a better way to do what I am trying to accomplish.

I have now scrapped the output method and using a template.

What I have setup is so that all four outputs write to separate files and named tabs so in the end there are four files like:

_Review (A).xlsx|||A

_Review (B).xlsx|||B

_Review (C).xlsx|||C

_Review (D).xlsx|||D

What can I do to merge all these separate files into one file with each on their own sheet? Each has its own schema, so a straight join wont work...?

Thanks.

Baz123 · Answer

Hi @Raj - will look at this later in detail, but I think you have suggested something similar to what I have tried already except the dynamic input, so will look at that.

Hi @binu_acs - Sorry if I wasn't clear. There is one data source initially that splits off into 4 flows - A, B, C and D. All four workflows have different outputs and calculations required from the one initial input source - it was easier to split them off and do all the calculations in their own flows rather than do it all in one big workflow.

The process is that when A completes - it picks up a template file, saves the template into an output folder then copies the output in the required tab of the copied template, then finally renames the template to include the date  - YYYY.MM_Review.xlsx

The other workflows B, C and D are run to each do their own analysis, and then need to copy their output to their own tabs in the output file from A YYYY.MM_Review.xlsx that was just created.

I have use the block until done tool to ensure that the A completes before B, C and D are started. The issue I am having is getting their workflows to pick up the new file to output to. The output file will be dynamic each month, so need to set the workflow to deal with this.

Thanks.