Folder Browse Workaround in Server

My workflow needs to grab a folder on my computer in order to properly work. Since folder browse does not work in the server, I need to find a way to get the directory tool to update with the user input. I have tried using the below setup with the shown function and the workflow runs successfully however it only pulls the file that is selected in the file browse and nothing else. Any thoughts?

Workflow

Input

Server

Accepted answers

fmvizcaino

Hi @ZGonzalez00 ,

Filepaths are one of the trickiest topics when you start working with the Alteryx Server.

Your Alteryx Server must have access to the same folder as your Alteryx Designer, which means using network folders or cloud file servers (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Use a Network/Shared folder
Change all paths to UNC
Click Save as > Alteryx Server
In the pop up: Workflow Options > Manage Workflow Assets > Uncheck the Directory tool path box
Save

Network folders and UNC path: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Paths-and-Alteryx

Workflow Assets when publishing workflows to the server: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Assets-and-Packaging-Workflows-1583460636757

Assets: Check or uncheck the boxes?: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Manage-Workflow-Asset/td-p/1175167

Best,

Fernando

All comments

fmvizcaino

Hi @ZGonzalez00 ,

The Alteryx Server cannot see your local folders. The file browse works because you are uploading the data to the Gallery and it is basically using a copy of your file.

Could you briefly describe your use case? Let me see if we have any other options.

Best,

Fernando

ZGonzalez00

Hello,

Here is what the original input looked like before I started adding interface tools to try and get it to work in the server. This workflow is run on a monthly basis with a new cost of sales file being added to the input folder every month (so the number of files can vary between 1-12). Directly after that there are some basic filter and formula tools.

Our team is new to using the Alteryx server, so we are still getting used to it. We cannot seem to find a way to get the server to grab all the files in the folder like you would by using a wild card in the shown image.

fmvizcaino

Hi @ZGonzalez00 ,

Filepaths are one of the trickiest topics when you start working with the Alteryx Server.

Your Alteryx Server must have access to the same folder as your Alteryx Designer, which means using network folders or cloud file servers (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Use a Network/Shared folder
Change all paths to UNC
Click Save as > Alteryx Server
In the pop up: Workflow Options > Manage Workflow Assets > Uncheck the Directory tool path box
Save

Network folders and UNC path: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Paths-and-Alteryx

Workflow Assets when publishing workflows to the server: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Assets-and-Packaging-Workflows-1583460636757

Assets: Check or uncheck the boxes?: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Manage-Workflow-Asset/td-p/1175167

Best,

Fernando

ZGonzalez00

In the workflow, the action tool "updates the value with a formula" based on a file in the folder and should result in the directory path to the folder. When I run the workflow, the input tool only grabs that one file in the folder, when it should grab all 12. Does this mean that the updated value is not working because the server does not have access to folder, but it does to the individual file?

fmvizcaino

Hi @ZGonzalez00 ,

No, it doesn't have access to any files in your local user folder, including the individual file you mentioned.

There are two possible options that may cause your workflow to look like it is grabbing the file from your local folder

Your Alteryx Server has the exact same folder path with the same file (unlikely). C:\Users\YourUser\etc..
When you published the workflow to the Server, the input file box was checked, which means your server has a static copy of this file.
1. An easy way for you to prove this is to rename, remove or change something in the file and see if you can see these changes

Best,

Fernando

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