Error in the output tool

Question

Hi everyone,

Basically I've created a template (excel file) with different tabs. My goal is to feed those tabs with my output created in Alteryx.

I've configured the output data tool by "Append to existing sheet" and append field map by field name.

But when I run my workflow a have one error for a specific sheet. "unable to open file for write...-error opening file...the process cannot access the file because it is being use by another process".

I don't know why I have this error for this sheet.

I've checked : the name from the template and the name of the sheet in Alteryx are exactly the same, the destination file is close and not use and for the other sheets it works with no problem...

Do you have an idea ?

Thanks in advance.

LordNeilLord · Accepted Answer

Hey @TJeanty1

It sounds like you have a read write error because Alteryx is trying to write data to the same workbook at the same time. For these situations, I usually place a block until done tool somewhere in the process to ensure that Alteryx is only trying to write one worksheet at a time.

@LordNeilLord

Part time Tableau, Part Time Alteryx. Full Time Awesome

LordNeilLord · Accepted Answer

Here we go: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Knowledge-Base/How-to-write-to-multiple-tabs-separately-without-errors/ta-p/33413

BenMoss · Accepted Answer

You can't write to different sheets within the same excel document because when alteryx tries to write one sheet it is locking the file whilst that process takes place, hence why you get the error when it tries to write another sheet.

I've had this issue myself before and I've written a blog about the options available.

https://benjnmoss.wordpress.com/2017/01/16/writing-to-the-same-excel-file-in-alteryx/

Parralel block until done (crew macros) is the way forward.

Ben