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3 excel outputs in one single excel file

harithad1
7 - Meteor

Hi. I created a workflow which has 3 outputs (different excels with no common fields). Is there a way to have all the outputs in one excel file in different tabs?

13 REPLIES 13
cjaneczko
13 - Pulsar

Yes, you can either use a Block Until Done tool or Control Container. In the output, specify the name of the tab you want the data to write to in each output tool. If you have branches in your workflow, put the BUD tool at the branch for each output. Otherwise the Control Container is the way to go and just daisy chain the anchors from one container to the next. 

alexnajm
17 - Castor
17 - Castor

Yes very doable - the ultimate way will depend on your set up but the simplest way is to put down three Output Data tools and configure the data to write to those three different tabs.

 

Depending on the version of Alteryx you have, I'd also use Control Containers to ensure the execute in order: Control Containers: Take Control of Your Workflow - Alteryx Community

harithad1
7 - Meteor

I tried using Block until done but i'm getting the below error.

alexnajm
17 - Castor
17 - Castor

I don't see an error posted

harithad1
7 - Meteor

Error: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. (32)

alexnajm
17 - Castor
17 - Castor

The solution that @cjaneczko and I provided would overcome this error if the suggestion was implemented correctly. Please provide a workflow or at least a screenshot of the flow.

cjaneczko
13 - Pulsar

@harithad1 You need to put the BUD tool where the three outputs split. If any of the outputs share the same path then it will error out. Each output should be on its own branch of the tool. There are three output anchors on the tool. so each one should be on its own anchor. If you dont have a viable split in the workflow, the easier option would be to put each output tool in its own Control Container. Then Link one control container to the next. 

 

If you have done this correctly and you are still getting an error, there is one other possible reason. The folder you are outputting to is backed up by one drive. Once OneDrive sees the first tab is written its possible OneDrive is backing that file up as the second tab is starting to be written. It sees the file as in use and open and is tossing the error. The work around for this is to pause your OneDrive syncing and then resume is sync after the workflow is complete.

harithad1
7 - Meteor

I paused the one drive and tried and still getting the error. BUD is not working. Attaching a screenshot of the sample workflow and error message.

 

I'm an amateur when it comes to alteryx. I couldn't use Control Container.

 

 

 

 

harithad1
7 - Meteor

The output path & file are same. Just the tabs are named differently.

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