Determine if File Exists then execute rest of workflow or stop workflow

[dmccombie]

Hello - 

Note:  due to issues with Alteryx workflow being on client computer, unable to post workflow or pictures.

Here is what I am doing:

1.  Using the Folder Browse tool, feeding that into the directory tool then utilizing the filter tool to see if the files exists then creating a file exists field

2.  Also in the workflow inputting data into the workflow that will get processed through a bunch of other filters then will need to be added to the output (Excel) if the file file exists.

3.  The output file also has to be dynamic so I need to add the month and a numeric sequence to the file name.(Using the drop down and list box tool for this.

I want to know how to stop that part of the workflow if the file doesn't exist and not create a blank output file when trying to build the output file.  Right now It produces a file with no records in it.

Also I need this to be utilized 17 other times in the same workflow (basically a copy of this)

I will try and build a mockup flow on my company's Alteryx to see if I can add it to this thread

[davidskaife]

Hi @dmccombie 

One way to do it is using a combination of the Count Records and Message tools, see below:

When the directory is empty the Count Records of 0 will trigger an error using the Message tool, and you can set a workflow to cancel running when an error is found:

[dmccombie]

thanks.  will give it a try and see if it works.

[flying008]

Hi, @dmccombie 

Could you please tell me , what version are you using ? If your version above v2023.1+, you can use Control Containers tool to execute the workflow as your want.

[dmccombie]

I am on 2021.4.2.02731

[dmccombie]

so what happens when i have multiple filters for one input file then i want to produce lets say 5 different files for the 5 different filters.  But lets say one file that I want to append records to isn't there then i don't want to create a file using the output tool.  I am attaching an example workflow to help you understand what I am doing

[flying008 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @dmccombie 

FYI.

[dmccombie]

I take it that you have to be on the 2023.1+ version for your example?  I am only on 2021.XX  version with my client.  What would be the set up for the control container in case they do have a 2023.1+ version?  Also is it possible to do this a different way if there is only the 2021.XX version my client has?

[flying008]

Hi, @dmccombie 

If you are using a version lower than v2023.1, you will need to use special methods to achieve this requirement .

Please watch the animation of the message.

[dmccombie]

I was able to use the container!  my client upgraded me to the 2024+ version and it works!!!  thanks all for hte help.