Overwriting Formulas in Output Range

I have a workflow which overwrites the data in approx 250 files by using change entire path Output option. Problem is that when end user erroneously update formula in the output range, Alteryx is not able to proceed with the updates & give an error "Unable to overwrite a cell that contains a formula". Each time there is a formula in the range Alteryx stops & I need to manually delete the formulas from the output file and rerun the workflow. Considering the volumes of files and frequent intervention due to this error it is taking lot of time to execute Alteryx workflow.

Do we have any option wherein Alteryx can overwrite the formulas in the data range or ignore the error & continue with data updation for rest of the files & provide with error log with list of files for data not updated due to this issue.

I am attaching a simple workflow wherein output is getting updated to different test files. If you update formula in output range in any of the test files you should be able to see the error.

test error.yxmd

Error Message

Output

Accepted answers

AkimasaKajitani

Hi @prakash-shetty

I changed the Skip Field Names option from check to uncheck, it works well.

Output of checked

Output of Unchecked

Please use attached macro.

test error_batch.yxmc

All comments

atcodedog05

Hi @prakash-shetty

Can you provide us the sample excel files that are giving you the error and snapshot error faced?

prakash-shetty

Here is the attached test files that I have created alongwith error details.

I have the solution that if the error occur, can ignore it and continue update.

The solution is that using Batch macro.

Result of using Batch macro

Batch Macro :

Workflow:

Macro setting:

The important point is using Group by option.

And if you want to know which files error occur, you can analyze the Alteryx log.

When you want Alteryx log, you can set the option at User Setting and so on.

The Alteryx log is the same as the message showing at result window.

test error_AK.yxzp

prakash-shetty

Hello @AkimasaKajitani

Looking at your output this is exactly what I was looking for, but unfortunately I am unable to open your workflow may be due to difference in Alteryx version. Currently I am using 2020.3 version.

I haven't explored much on Batch Macro. Is there any way I can open workflow that you have shared.?

AkimasaKajitani

Hi @prakash-shetty

Please see this Blog by @atcodedog05 .

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works/Making-Workflows-Apps-amp-Macros-Backwards-Compatible/ba-p/779546

prakash-shetty

Thanks @AkimasaKajitani for all your help. One more thing to highlight. In output files I don't see column header updated. I have tried unchecking "Skip Field Names" but still I don't see Column header updated in the output file.

delrocd

@AkimasaKajitani There are still errors. The macro does not ignore the error

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