Clean and normalize data

Hi folks,

I've done some pre-work cleaning data as it comes in via query, though there are outliers that I don't want to continue to accommodate via SQL. I'd rather do any additional cleansing/normalization of the data using the Alteryx tools, if possible.

When certain text shows up in a field, I need it removed....THEN normalize what is left over into a consistent format, with leading zeros.

I believe data can be removed via: REPLACECHAR(REPLACECHAR([Yourfield],'"',''),"'","")

Pending that works, how would I have the tool (or another in a following step) analyze and append needed leading zeros.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

.: Mike

INPUT	DESIRED OUTPUT
ABC1234	001234
123456	123456
QWER12345	012345
POI 012345	012345

Transformation

Optimization

Accepted answers

DavidP

You can use padleft to add the zeros.

For removing characters, here are 2 methods. Workflow attached

padleft numbers.yxmd

All comments

DavidP

You can use padleft to add the zeros.

For removing characters, here are 2 methods. Workflow attached

padleft numbers.yxmd

fmvizcaino

Hi @BrotherMAK ,

Attached is an example showing how to do it with regex tool and also another way of doing with data cleansing tool.

Let me know if this works for you.

BEst,

Fernando Vizcaino

2020-02-13 Clean and normalize data.yxmd

fmvizcaino

@DavidP , the exact same solution, both suggesting two ways of doing it!!!! Incredible!!

Blake

Here is one way you can solve this issue.

Regex Configuration

Formula configuration

cnd.yxmd

Blake

ha a little bit late @DavidP @fmvizcaino but can I still join the great minds party?!

BrotherMAK

Fantastic! Thanks everyone! Looks like everyone had more or less the same idea.

I was about to punch myself as I wasn't getting the desired result until, like an idiot, I realized I wasn't replacing my key column as the output of the flow. Did that and getting the hits I was looking for. This was perfect. (PS...I went with the Data Cleansing tool as it was much simpler for what I needed. I'll keep the regex in mind if I end up with more complex stuff, that's what I used in the originating query)

PS. Don't mind the million browses and multiple outputs 🙂 Doing some checks along the way.

Thanks again.

.:MAK

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