Union tool not combining similar columns across multiple files

Question

I have a workflow that is unionizing columns across a directory of multiple files. Some of the columns are out of order but the syntax is exactly the same across all files. I have set the Union configuration to Auto Config by Name and it is unionizing based on the order of the columns instead. I have also tried Manually Configuring without any luck. How can I make it unionize based on name?

shancmiralles · Answer

hi! this might help!
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Directory-tool-w-Dynamic-Input-not-picking-up-all-files/td-p/415109

ChrisTX · Answer

You don't have the box checked for First Row Contains Data, so that's not the problem

I can't help much because I can't see any of the files in your folder.  Look at each file.  When importing, do you need to skip a number of rows before you get to the Header row that has field names?

Why is there only 1 data stream going into your Union tool?  You said the problem was with the Union.  But when you use a Directory tool and a Dynamic Input, you are likely importing multiple files at once.

What are you using the Union tool for?

Chris

jennawilliams25 · Answer

Hi Chris, it is possible that the header rows are included as a data row.