Browse to Output File using Analytics App on Server

Question

Hi All,

I have a workflow that needs to output to a local, preformatted csv. I have converted it to an analytics app so that server users can access/run it, however I lose the ability to browse to an output file when it runs on the server.

When I run the analytics app on the desktop, I’m able to point the output files to the desired local file, however when I run on the server I don’t have the option to browse to a file like I do for the inputs  - I can only specify a name and type.

If anyone has a work around to match the functionality on the server to that of the desktop app, please let me know.

fmvizcaino · Answer

Hi @laurenharness ,

Got it! Thank you for the explanation.

I believe we have two options:

* Since the users have to sometimes change the template. The best solution to keep the current process is a shared folder. This could be an Alteryx Server local folder shared with all the users or anything like that
* Another option is to add a file browse to your analytical app for the users to upload the template everytime before execution

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

laurenharness · Answer

Hi Fernando,

Thanks for the response.

The csv is preformatted with some merged cells, and about 10 lines of formatted data above the headers that are used for the rest of the data.

The users who run this report have expressed that they need the end result of this workflow to be output to this specific format (which varies for each output file) - they've asked for the ability to save an empty csv with the formatting to a local folder (due to permission/access restraints on shared drives/data) and point the output tools to this file.

This has been working for them in the desktop app, but not all of the users have a license to run it there.

fmvizcaino · Answer

Hi @laurenharness ,

Unfortunately, this option is not available on the server.

I`d like to understand more your use case and see if another option exists.

Here are some questions but feel free to provide more context:

What is this preformatted csv? Additional headers for the data or something else?

Why do users have to access the file from within the folder?

Does it have to be a local folder or could it be a shared folder? Why?

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino