topic Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow? in Alteryx Designer Desktop Discussions

How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

yasasrd — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:56:26 GMT

I want to import links on one config file to run multiple workflows.

Essentially what I want to do is, when I run a workflow, it imports all the links, the workflow filters for the link that specific workflow uses. Finally, import data to the workflow for further analysis. File names on the excel files changes each month.

As an example, Sales Workflow will import the config file. Filter for 'Sales Workflow', use the file path the import the data in the file. In January, the file name will be, C:\Users\Tester\Documents\Sales_012026_January.xlsx, in February C:\Users\Tester\Documents\Sales_022026_February.xlsx and so on..

How would I achieve this?

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

jrlindem — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:32:29 GMT

I believe this is possible but admittedly have not done so myself. I would recommend checking out the CReW "Runner" Macros.

Aside from that, I think you could probably also simplify this process by using Directory Input Tool to find the latest new dataset within each respective workflows (ex. Cost vs Profit vs Sales vs Tax) and run them either on schedule (Server) or at the time of need (Local).

Other things worth exploring are Dynamic Input Tool and Batch Macros. Your method will be dictated by schema consistency and how flexible the process needs to be.

Hope that gives you some direction, -Jay

@alexnajm or @Qiu - any thoughts on this one?

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

flying008 — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:41:18 GMT

Hi, @yasasrd

If i can get your mind, FYI.

ps: the batch macro you can use by input or dynamic input tool for create it.

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

Qiu — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:46:00 GMT

@yasasrd (cc: @jrlindem )
I would assume that the workflow name would remain the same during each update and you have valid reason to seperate the workflow rather than using the Filter tool to connect to each indivisual workflow.
We can do this in a twisted way by chain apps, which happens to be the topic of Weekly challenge #499.

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

yasasrd — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:26:23 GMT

Thanks for your response

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

yasasrd — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:38:29 GMT

Thank you Qiu. Yes, the workflow names would remain the same and it needs to be run separately. I will check Weekly challenge #499. as well.

Re: How to use file links in a config file as inputs in a workflow?

Qiu — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:39:42 GMT

@yasasrd
I am sorry I meant #500. 😁