topic Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input in Alteryx Server Discussions

Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

olimpio — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 03:47:41 GMT

Hi is there a workaround for a scenario where there are multiple excel file as inputs. using "*.xlsx" we are able to make the workflow function, however there seems to be a restriction on the server.

Note: the inputs are dynamic there could be 2 excel files or up to 12 on any given day.

is there any workaround for this, any suggestions would be of great help.

Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

Thableaus — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:47:43 GMT

Hi @olimpio

Is the limitation you're mentioning around the Folder Browse tool?

There's a workaround by having a Text Box instead of the Folder Browse tool and the User would simply copy and paste the file path to where the excel files are. The rest is done with the wildcard in the input tool like you mentioned.

* You need to configure the text box to dynamically replace the file path of the files with the Action tool.

Cheers,

Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

olimpio — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 13:14:29 GMT

Yes we have tried the text input option, it works on the analytical app however, once we move it to server , the text input replacement does not seem to work and the workflow is searching for the local drive and giving an error

unless there is something i am doing wrong, where you able to successfully move the workflow to the server and it was reading multi files through the server. also, can the text input connect to a directory tool i have tried both the input and directory both give an error

Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

olimpio — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:26:39 GMT

would you be able to share a workflow that would help? that would be really helpfull

Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

JC — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 09:38:10 GMT

hi, we meet the same issue, do you find a way to resolve it?

Re: Alteryx Server - multiple excel files Input

Peachyco — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 11:39:41 GMT

The Text Box Tool solution might work if the user gives the fully-qualified/absolute UNC path.

For example:

The address on the user's machine might show like "G:\Folder Location A\Folder Location B". This won't work on the Gallery 'coz the Gallery is working from its own machine and the drive might not be mapped in the same way there.
To get it to work, the user must change the address to be like "\\192.168.00.00\Folder Location A\Folder Location B". This form leaves no ambiguity and Alteryx will find that address from any machine.

The issue would be whether or not your users are computer-savvy enough to provide the proper address. Some workarounds I can think of:

Before passing to the Input Tool / Dynamic Input Tool, use a Formula Tool or something similar to modify the address into the required form.
If the folder locations are already known anyway, use the Drop Down Tool instead of the Text Box Tool.