How to pass credentials safely in a workflow without hardcoding them in the flow

[ssuravar]

Hi,

We connect to different API's using Alteryx workflows hardcoding client id, secret etc in the workflow.

I would like to check if there is any option to pass encrypted credentials in the workflow without hardcoding them.

I'm using Alteryx 2025.1 version, I looked at DCM as an option, tried to create DCM credential but cannot find appropriate DCM connection to create.

Thanks,

Sushma

[johnfinch204]

Yes, the recommended and most secure way to handle credentials like client ID and secret in Alteryx Designer 2025.1 without hardcoding them is by using Data Connection Manager (DCM). Since you're connecting to APIs, you should typically use the generic 'Other' connection type within DCM to store your custom credentials (like API keys, client IDs, and secrets). Once created, you reference the DCM connection in tools that make API calls (like the Download tool or custom macros) instead of the hardcoded values. DCM centrally manages and encrypts these credentials, making your workflows more secure and portable.

[jandalgaard · Accepted solution]

Here is a guide on how to do it using DCM: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/How-to-connect-to-API-with-DCM

[ssuravar]

Thank you so much both of you!
This worked for some of my API's and the steps are so detail in the link you shared jandalgaard 

I have two more questions
1. When I share the DCM connection I created with my team on server, will they be able to update the client id and secret if needed?

2. I also need to connect to AI Foundry API, where I create project_client using client id, secret, tenant id and endpoint.

   Is there an option to create a dcm connection for this one. Any input is highly appreciated.

Thank you

Sushma