How to delete first 50 columns for input files with different data format?

[skotian1289]

Hello All,

I am a new user and this is my first time post.

I am trying to build a workflow where i need to delete the first 50 columns of my Input file. My input files will differ everyday and column headers wont be the same or will not be in same alignment  hence the select/deselect field tools is not helping me when i tried because the workflow tried to locate the field name in my next input file.

See below example of what I am trying to say:

Lets say we are trying to build a workflow to delete first 5 columns of input file doesn't matter what the headers are just delete first 5 columns.

Input File 1: 

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5	Column 6	Column 7	Column 8	Column 9	Column 10	Column 11	Column 12	Column 13	Column 14
1	2	3	4	66	77	88	99	44	55	55	66	77	33

Output for File 1:

Column 6	Column 7	Column 8	Column 9	Column 10	Column 11	Column 12	Column 13	Column 14
77	88	99	44	55	55	66	77	33

Input File 2:

Column 7	Column 8	Column 9	Column 10	Column 11	Column 12	Column 13	Column 14	Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5	Column 6
88	99	44	55	55	66	77	33	1	2	3	4	66	77

Output for file 2:

Column 12	Column 13	Column 14	Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5	Column 6
66	77	33	1	2	3	4	66	77

Please assist .

Regards

SK

[JosephSerpis]

Hi @skotian1289 I mocked up a workflow let me know what you think?

[bhrmitra]

Hi skotian1289,

Welcome to the community.

There are a multiple ways to achieve this. I have used a dynamic input in my solution. I hope this is what you wanted. I had posted a solution before also but it did not take into account multiple rows and hence edited it again.

If this solves your issue please mark the answer as correct and also hit the like button, if not let me know! I've attached my workflow for you to download if needed.

Thanks,

Abhra Mitra

[skotian1289]

Hi Joseph,

Thanks for your response.

I tried ur workflow but somehow all the deleted columns are appearing in the end and there are no values captured. Not sure if i am following the steps correctly. 

Actually my data is very huge with 500 columns and thousands of values plus it is a Csv format. I cant share the actual data but i can give you a sample file attached. 

Apologies for not providing sample file at beginiing. 

Regards

SK 

[JosephSerpis · Accepted solution]

Hi @skotian1289 I used your file to show how the workflow works and attached an Alteryx package so you can see how it works

[skotian1289]

@Joseph - Genius, i tried the workflow steps and it is working now. Thanks a ton

[MikeA]

Hello,

An alternative solution would be to use the Dynamic Select tool using a "NOT IN" function and utilizing the available [FieldNumber] option in that tool:

Attached is an example that also has a small process to generate the numeric portion of the function so that you don't have to type out number's 1 - 50, but rather just copy and paste.

[FerdinandFuchs]

Hey,

I guess the shortest solution is to use the Dynamic Select Tool, switch it to "Select via Formula" and use the expression [FieldNumber] > 50.

Ferdinand