Marketo Input can not accept parameter value update from Action control

Question

I tried to use Action control (Update Value) to change the Marketo Input's startDateTime value. But none of the Update Value or Update Value with Formula can update the Marketo Input's parameter value. Is Marketo Input's Start Date Time parameter value can be changed by Action control or it has to be hard coded in the Marketo Input's configuration? If it can be updated outside of the Marketo control, how to do it?

Thanks

Tom

PeterS · Accepted Answer

Hi @tomwen

The Marketo Input tool can be updated with Interface tools to update the Start Date Time. In the screen shot below you can see there is a Text Box Interface tool that connects to an Action tool and the Action tool connects to the Marketo Input tool.  In the screen shot the Action tool is selected and the configuration window can be seen on the left.  The line with the StartDateTime value is selected, which means that value in the Marketo Input tool will be updated with the value entered in the Text Box tool. I have also attached an example workflow that demonstrates this configuration in the screen shot.

If this doesn't get you on the correct path please provide a screen shot of your configuration and if possible a workflow that has your configuration.

Peter

PeterS · Accepted Answer

Hi @tomwen

Since this workflow is going to be scheduled the example above won't work as it requires input from a user at runtime. However, instead of creating an analytic app that updates the Marketo Input tool, a Batch Macro can be used.  This will allow for a value to be calculated dynamically (yesterday's date and time) and then that value will be passed to a macro that contains the Marketo tool and update the Date time Start value.

I've attached an example workflow that shows  how this can be done.

The main workflow calculates the previous day and passes that value to the macro:

Inside the macro the Control parameter reads in the new date value and is fed to the Action tool to update the Marketo Input as in the prior example.

Once the Marketo tool is configured to be updated by the Control parameter and the Batch macro saved, go back to the main workflow. To insert the new batch macro right-click on the Canvas and choose Insert - Macro and select the new batch macro. Save the workflow. To schedule the workflow with the macro, go to Options - Export Workflow to package the workflow with the macro. Be sure the box is checked next to the macro. This creates an Alteryx File with a .yxzp extension, a packaged workflow.

Now that the workflow is packaged you are able to schedule the workflow. Under Options - View Schedules select the + under the Workflows tab, browse to and select the newly created the .yxzp file and click Open. Now configure the schedule as any other workflow.

I have attached the example workflow and Batch macro as well (as a .yxzp file). Hope this helps!

Peter