Alteryx - Input file not correct

Hi,

I'm in IT and I have a user having issues with Alteryx. I've copied/pasted what he wrote on the ticket.

I am trying to see if there is a contact or if someone is able to guide me on how I can resolve an Alteryx error. Typically, I just drop a new file every quarter into the input folder and should be able to run alteryx with no issues. It seems that it is still trying to view last quarters documents even though it is not in the inputs folder.

Basically instead of running the new file it attempts to run the older file and errors out as it keeps trying to run the old file and not the new one.

Example -

Old file named Report25 is replaced by Report26 but when user attempts to run Alteryx it keeps trying to run the old file Report25 and not Report26.

I have no documentation on Alteryx and no one here has any knowledge of this application. Since I'm in IT it falls to me to try and resolve this issue. I'd appreciate any help.

Input

Help

Alteryx Editions

Accepted answers

alexnajm

Then either:

- The user needs to go into the Alteryx workflow, change the path to the correct path, and run the workflow. This would be an Input Data tool. OR

- The user needs to make sure the logic implemented in the workflow (whatever that may be) is selecting the correct file automatically

Without more information (workflow, screenshots, etc.), I'm just throwing out options - the more information the better

dreldrel

Hey @Nosupport, if a user drags and drops a file from a network drive or location, Alteryx will usually provide the absolute fixed file path.

You may want to consider implementing logic to automatically retrieve the most recent file based on the file name or creation time, or allowing users to select the file through an Interface tool. Just make sure the file schema remains consistent for the rest of the process, otherwise it may cause errors in the workflow.

I have included a sample workflow for your reference. Hope this helps.

------------------------

Method 1: Retrieve the most recent file based on the file name or creation time (More similar to your case)

Method 1.png

Method 2: Allow users to select the file through an Interface tool (Flexible but more advanced)

Method 2.png

Method 2-1.png

File Input Workflow.yxzp

All comments

alexnajm

How is the user getting the most recent file to be read in his process? It sounds like a directory tool with a sort, sample, and dynamic input so the user should check the data after it runs to see which file is getting passed through

I'm sure there's a solution here, but without more context on the workflow it'll be hard for us to help further

Nosupport

The user drags and drops the file into a network drive/location.

alexnajm

Then either:

- The user needs to go into the Alteryx workflow, change the path to the correct path, and run the workflow. This would be an Input Data tool. OR

- The user needs to make sure the logic implemented in the workflow (whatever that may be) is selecting the correct file automatically

Without more information (workflow, screenshots, etc.), I'm just throwing out options - the more information the better

Nosupport

I'll follow up with the user and check what you suggested. Update when I can, thanks.

dreldrel

Hey @Nosupport, if a user drags and drops a file from a network drive or location, Alteryx will usually provide the absolute fixed file path.

I have included a sample workflow for your reference. Hope this helps.

------------------------

Method 1: Retrieve the most recent file based on the file name or creation time (More similar to your case)

Method 1.png

Method 2: Allow users to select the file through an Interface tool (Flexible but more advanced)

Method 2.png

Method 2-1.png

File Input Workflow.yxzp

alexnajm

@Nosupport any update?

Nosupport

I'm so sorry for the late reply. I plan to follow up with the user tomorrow as he has been out of office or unavailable.

I'll follow both advice given and update tomorrow when I can.

Thanks and I appreciate the help.

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