Dynamic Input

[Qiaoping]

I have around 20 excel files, they have the same format and 5 tabs for each file, I need to combine one of the 5 tabs of the 20 excel files. Normally, we put each file as input and then use UNION tool. Today I watched a video introducing DIRECTORY and DYNAMIC INPUT. so I was trying to simplify the input process. While, I followed the video's step, but it always gives me an error message when I run the workflow, "document name.xlsx does not match a sheet or named range in document name.xlsx or the excel file is corrupt.

Could someone help me with this question? I don't know whether my idea is feasible. If not, does someone has a solution on how to input multiple same formated files more efficience? Thanks, 

Ping 

[benakesh]

Hi @Qiaoping ,

Check this link  .  3rd option  in this link is your solution.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/The-Ultimate-Input-Data-Flowchart/t...

[JoeS]

I think that error appears when you aren't sending the sheet name through to the Dynamic input tool.

Could you upload the workflow that you have configured?

[Qiaoping]

Thank you, but it is still not working. Anyway, I am new to Alteryx, there will be a lot to learn. 

[Qiaoping]

Sorry, don't know why I couldn't copy and paste workflow here. 

SO when I selected Dynamic Input, on the edit box, I input the example file(one from where I saved all the formatted files, again, all the files have the same multiple tabs and only one tab, sheets 1 (same format and fields in all files) I need to combine.

on the Read a List of Data Sources/Field: [FullPath]+"|||sheets1$"

Now error message is: createrecord: a record was created with no fields."

I have no idea. 

[JoeS]

To upload you need to use the little paperclip button near the bottom right of where you type your reply.

It sounds like you have the data set up right. 

What's the settings you have in the dynamic input tool? 

That error suggests there is no data on that sheet, is there definitely data on that workbook in Sheet1?

[Qiaoping]

Hi Joe,

thank you for your help. I uploaded a word doc that I have saved screen shot from my workflow.

Our old workflow used all the same files but input one by one, that work well.

I just want to simply the process. I am new to Alteryx, so probably need more help than others.

[JessieC · Accepted solution]

@Qiaoping ,

You should update FullPath with a formula tool to include the sheet name and select the column FullPath as the Field to Change Entire File Path - 

[Qiaoping]

Hi Jessie,

Sorry for replying sooooooo late. it's still not working. It only reads one file. I will do more research when I am not that busy.

Thank you for your help.