Various columns with different names

Question

The input file is an Alteryx database. There are various columns with slightly different names that I need to combine. For example, two columns that are different names, but mean the same: "Acctng Date" and "Acctg Date"

Can someone help with a solution or a sample workflow for this?

KGT · Answer

You would need to define all the column names. You could definitely make it dynamic etc, but you will always need to create a list of the names that need to be combined (even if it's dynamic through fuzzy match etc, still need to get to that list).

Once you have the list, there are different options.

* Dynamically creating formulas
* Transpose, attach final name, summarize... etc
* Batch Macro to run through the list

But none of those are more efficient than just writing the formulas unless you have more than 10 or so pairs to change.

kmcgraw2 · Answer

Exactly! thank you. Is there a way to do this for multiple columns at a time? Or will I have to use the formula tool and edit each formula slightly?

KGT · Answer

Oh.... I get what you mean... you have one file and it looks something like this:

IDAcctng DateAcctg DateOther FieldOther Field21DataNull()Ipsum LoremDolor2Null()DataThis isOther Text

Create a field called something.. maybe Complete_Acctng Date

IIF(IsNull([Acctng Date]),[Acctg Date],[Acctng Date])

And then repeat for other fields you want to combine. You may need to edit that slightly.