Inputting specific columns from two excel files

Hi so I am new to Alteryx and I need to create a model where I check whether or not the contract numbers and asset numbers from two different excel files match. The problem is that both have irrelevant columns that I don't need in my workflow. So I was wondering if it is possible to input specific columns from two excel files? At this point, I was thinking of just creating a new excel file with the columns that I require. Is that my only option? All answers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Chirag Gandhi

Input

Accepted answers

danrh

The easier option is to use an Input Data tool to bring the whole sheet in, then add a Select tool to only keep the columns you're concerned about:

danrh

The Join tool has three outputs - L,J, and R. The J stream is the records that match, so if you're looking for the non-matching you might want to look at the L and R streams. It would be very helpful to get some sample data - any chance you can remove/change sensitive data and post some?

Krausn2

Hello,

I wouldn't suggest doing that. The previous answer is the easiest solution to your workflow. I would look at the L or R output from your 'join tool' for the specific items from either worksheet that didn't join successfully. Then if the column layout is the same you can 'union' both as one output for a further comprehensive review. I would suggest if you were to do that, to use the formula tool to create a column that delineates the file name so you have have the origin, or if the input file is excel to have that included in your input.

All comments

danrh

The easier option is to use an Input Data tool to bring the whole sheet in, then add a Select tool to only keep the columns you're concerned about:

Chirag_Gandhi07

Yes that worked! Thanks. Also, I don't want to join the records but I want them to align side by side. Right now when I use the union tool, they both appear but not next to each other. They will have the columns next to each other but the contract numbers from the first excel file start from record 1 and the contract numbers from the other excel file will start from record 28,303. Is there a way to arrange them so that they both start from record 1?

Quick Links

This months top contributors

atcodedog05 19458

Qiu 15866

binu_acs 15708

MarqueeCrew 13708

apathetichell 13703