Alteryx SharePoint Output Tool - Unexpected Behavior in SharepointLists

Question

Hello,

I'm facing issues with the Alteryx SharePoint Output tool (v2.7.3). It successfully updates columns only when set to 'Update' with 'ID' as the primary column in options/configuration.My major concern is that sometimes (when I select 'Overwrite' action) unexpectedly deletes the entire SharePoint list, which is a significant risk. Additionally, I get a 'list index out of range' error when no data is provided, but this is less alarming than the 'Overwrite' behavior.

I need to understand why the tool behaves this way and how to configure the tool to ensure data safety and robust updates, avoiding accidental list deletions.

Any advice on best practices for secure SharePoint updates in Alteryx would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much

Capture2.JPG

Capture.JPG

Capture3.JPG

Charchote · Answer

Hello @jrgo, thank s for the reply. My expectation for the 'overwrite' behavior is that it would either write to a specific cell or overwrite existing data within cells. What I didn't expect was for it to completely delete the entire list (including all its content and headers). It then only leaves the headers that were selected in the Formula Tool, but even in these columns, it deletes all content, including all the IDs.

I will check the permissions in SharePoint. Thank you!

jrgo · Answer

Hi @Charchote

What behavior were you expecting the tool to do when the "Overwrite" option is selected? IMO, that is the expected behavior. I do get what you're saying, but I don't see this being any different than an Output tool unintentionally overwriting a file or database table. It's dependent on the user to ensure the output options are configured appropriately.

I would assume (but not certain) that the SharePoint list owner can adjust the permissions to only allow inserts or updates and deny deletes? Actually, found the post linked below that suggest that you could.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/sharepoint-online-site-permissions-add-but-not/3a9d66d9-5228-4cf3-a3f2-f9df9443ff0f

Generally speaking though, this is something that should be managed through user/role permissions and not a limitation that should be added to the tool.