topic Re: Workaround solutions for inputting files that Server can't connect to in Alteryx Server Discussions

Workaround solutions for inputting files that Server can't connect to

Alayna — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:38:35 GMT

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or success with Server workflows that pull files from folders? I know it can't connect to any desktop or network drives, but I'm trying to automate a current report that uses many file sources as much as possible and put it on the Scheduler. My company has a shared folder that Server can connect to, so I've thought about using another RPA to copy and paste files there. Or an Excel power query, Access Database, etc. that can connect to files, but the filenames change each day. Since I want to put it on scheduler, I need a solution that will automatically refresh the data each day before the workflow runs, without my computer having to be open and logged in. Any workarounds for this?

Re: Workaround solutions for inputting files that Server can't connect to

fmvizcaino — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:56:40 GMT

Hey @Alayna ,

It depends on your use case, but I think you can use the following tool to address that problem.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/File-Copying-and-Moving/td-p/592216

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

Re: Workaround solutions for inputting files that Server can't connect to

Alayna — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 19:23:37 GMT

Hi @fmvizcaino thanks for the reply! that looks like a great tool but do you know if it will work on the server? wouldn't it still need access to the source folders?

Re: Workaround solutions for inputting files that Server can't connect to

fmvizcaino — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:29:13 GMT

Yes, it would need to have access to the folders, unfortunately.

If the source folders are inside your own machine, you could try sharing the folder with your server and working from there.

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino