Trying to import mulitple excel files but only one file is loading

Hi,

I'm using the Input Data tool to import multiple files. In Configuration, I've placed the asterisk after the file name and changed Output File Name as Field to File Name Only; however, only one file is imported. I know the other files are being read because I had one of them open, ran the workflow which errored and the error message named that file as being open. The files have the same format, columns it's just the data that's different.

TIA

Input

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Bren_Spill2

@jenettd - can you attach a screen shot of the configuration?

Also - are all of the files in the same format (e.g. csv, xlsx, yxdb)?

This link might also be helpful: The Ultimate Input Data Flowchart (alteryx.com)

ChrisTX

If you can narrow down the problem to two files: Import each file separately (two Input Data tools), and add a Field Info tool after each import

Is the output from both Field Info tools exactly the same, same field order and data types?

If one field in one file has a different data type, you can't import using a wildcard in the Input Data tool.

Chris

jenettd

Hi Bren,

Yes they are all the same file type .xlsx.

shancmiralles

if the error is file is being opened , are the files under a shared drive? if that so then someone is using the file(s) you are trying to use.
if not , then you can perhaps try using the directory tool and dynamic input tool together.

jenettd

Hi Chris,

I'll try that.

Yes, the files are the same type. They were extracted from the same report, the data are the only things that are different.

Thanks

jenettd

No, they're not on a shared drive. Just my local desktop. Thanks

ChrisTX

Even with the same File types, check each Field data type. After importing a few files separately (not using a wildcard).

Chris

jenettd

Could it be some permissions issue? Maybe I'm only allowed to import one file at a time.

jenettd

Nevermind, guys.

There's an error is yellow that says the files have a different schema than the first file and will be skipped. I understand since it's a different schema I have to use the dynamic input tool.

Thanks for you help! Sorry to waste your time.

binu_acs

@jenettd since the schema is different you have to use the batch macro, if you use the dynamic input tool also you will get the same schema error

jenettd

Thank you again!

I was able to use the batch macro like you all suggested and used the Directory instead of the Input Data tool in the standard workflow.

1) I added Control Parameter and Action tools to the batch macro

2) Configured the Action tool and selected 'Update Input Data Tool' as the action type.

3) Configured the Input Data tool in the macro. For Output File Name as Field, I used 'Full Path'.

4) Saved the macro and added it to the standard workflow after the Directory tool.

It worked. Thanks again!

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