Combine the two outputs in one excel work file.

[Shaopingfu]

I have a work flow, which has two outputs, the output of line 1 and line 2,  can I have the two outputs saved in the same excel file and name as Tab 1, and Tab 2, following with the date time now. 

So each time I run the flow (in different day), it can out put the same excel file, but with 2 fresh tabs. 

[flying008 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Shaopingfu 

Yes, you can use Block Until Done tool to get your want.

[Raj · Accepted solution]

@Shaopingfu 
Yes, this can be done. Use a Block Until Done tool to control the write order, then before each output, add a formula to create the dynamic sheet name. Point both outputs to the same Excel file and set Output Options to use the sheet name field.

[Gaurav_Dhama_ · Accepted solution]

Since you are already able to write to same excel two tabs, you don't need anything new for this, as long as the sheet name changes every time, your data will flow into new sheet every time.

For example, tab1_20250810 and tab2_20250810 already exists in your file, next day you run, it becomes tab1_20250811 and tab2_20250811.

Just make sure that the file is available to Alteryx.

[caltang · Accepted solution]

Some documentation for you: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Output-to-multiple-sheets-within-an-Excel-file-1583459... 

[EKasminsky]

Is there a benefit to using Block Until Done tools instead of Control Containers?

[caltang]

Sometimes your version vs Server might not be the same. Control containers are available v2023 and up, but if you're using v2022 and opening a workflow with control containers, it won't work. Whereas Block until done has been consistent in the last few versions.

One more caveat is that Block until done is very specific on its order, and it goes from one tool to the next whereas control containers go by a whole container's worth of tools in order. I would say it's better to use control containers provided your versions are all up to date as it is superior for its usage.

[Gaurav_Dhama_]

If you are writing output, block until done still works better than control containers.

Note that control container is meant to control the flow of process rather than the output data, in most cases it can work as expected while writing the output data, but there are many users who have highlighted that it does not control the data output correctly and they get "file in use by another process" error.

If control container works for you, then just go with that, else you have an alternative.

[jrlindem]

Interesting @Gaurav_Dhama_  I've not experienced that, working with Control Containers.  I'll be on the lookout for it now though.  In general, i've almost completely abandoned the Block-Until-Done in favor of the Control Containers for local workflows.  I'm still on v2023.1 sooooo Control Containers on Gallery are still a little problematic 👎