Updating column names and formulas

Question

Twice a month, I need to take a report and create calculations between columns. The issue is that the column names change in relation to the month and mid-month cycle. I need the calculations between the same columns each run but the names of the columns will change accordingly. Is there a way to have Alteryx read the columns and update the formulas? Or should I just insert a line above the already existing headers? I don't want to go in and change the headers each time.

apathetichell · Accepted Answer

so your formula operations should be static (column[x]-column[y]) - but you can use a transpose/formula/crosstab to pick and choose what ends up in those columns.

so you recordid/transpose your data (with recordid as a key)

you add a formula to parse the name column which includes your date/time to reformat as needed.

you crosstab your name/value to get it to fit into your column name logic (with recordid as a key. - you perform a static formula.

TUSHAR050392 · Accepted Answer

Hey @hendricksk, You can try the solution given by Danilang in this thread - https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Name-in-column-changes-but-always-in-the-same-position-in-Excel/td-p/1096165

Hope this helps.