How to handle special characters when applying cross tab to transpose field value to field name

[jeeva_ganesan]

Hello all,

In my work, I am getting input data in key value format, which means one column having all the column names and the other ones having corresponding column values. Basically its a transposed version of the data. So I am applying Crosstab tool to get the data back to normal form. But the problem I am facing is - column names are having brackets, commas in it. For example, its like KILOS/LITRES('000). So when I apply transpose, column names are changed to this KILOS_LITRES___000_ . How to retain them in the original format?. 

I tried to use dynamic rename, but couldnt find a better logic to solve this as I have more than 40 columns in my data. 

Thanks in advance.

[AdamR_AYX · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Something like this should do what you need.  Not pretty, but gets the job done


So the summarise and RecordId tool create a lookup for each of your header fields names: 00001, 00002 etc...  The join tool replaces your original header field names with the new ones.  Which then go thorugh the cross tab without being changed.  Then the dynamic rename tool is in "Take field names from Right Input rows" mode which puts your original fieldnames back.

Module here

http://downloads.chaosreignswithin.com/community/KeepFieldNamesThroughCrossTab.yxmd

Cheers
Adam
 

[jeeva_ganesan]

Hi Adam,

Thanks for your reply. It worked very well. :)

Regards,
Jeeva.

[BenMoss]

Just a note on this, i've now created a new tool and made it available on the public gallery. The 'Cross Tab Real' is designed to negate this issue.

https://gallery.alteryx.com/#!app/Cross-Tab-Real/5a9802e6f499c7166cab6a53

Ben

[Gmedin1]

Hi @BenMoss

I tried accessing the link you provided but it seems the tool is not available on the site. Do you have an updated link to this tool? 

Thanks,

Gary

[8088]

Hi @BenMoss 

The custom tool you describe sounds mighty interesting - the link doesn't work, so is there another way to get a copy ?  thx.

[W1ll3m]

Hi Ben

It made my day to find your cross tab real tool, but unfortunately it seems to have an issue. It gives an error of missing the ship_mode field that relates to the example you posted on this macro.

Any suggestions on how I can get a working version / fix the current macro?

Thanks in advance

Willem