If no data, do not run a specific part of the workflow

[caltang]

Right now, I have a dataset that is dependent on a Filter Tool that conditions for data to go through if it meets a criteria and then it will go through a Cross-Tab Tool then a Formula Tool that calls on several fields to create a formularized output.

However, sometimes there may be no data that filters through - then the workflow will run into an Error because the fields do not get cross-tabed and they subsequently don't exist as fields in the Formula Tool. 

How can we do something like this? 

I am aware of the Count Records Tool, but the Append Tool and Filter Tool trick doesn't solve the missing fields issue in the Formula Tool. Quite stumped. I have gone through links like these:

1. https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Detour-when-no-records-are-pre...
2. https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/If-no-output-from-Join-count-a...

All help and feedback appreciated!

-Cal

[geraldo · Accepted solution]

@caltang 

If you want to send a controlled error message, you can follow these data quality steps

attached an example workflow

[caltang]

Is there a way to make it a message rather an error or warning? Thanks for the response, by the way!

[geraldo]

@caltang 

If it is placed as a normal or warning message, the flow will continue and will give this error that is happening to you.
So the best way is to transform the flow into a macro and use the detour tool

[caltang]

Thanks @geraldo ! It doesn't really solve my issue per se. I will explore further. It would be nice if Alteryx had a feature to do so.

[geraldo]

@caltang 

If you are using version 2023.1 there is a new control container option

[caltang]

Yes! However, many of my users are still on the old version and we are waiting for the Patch later this year before we roll out the new version. 

By the way, I found another way: Using the Detour Tool under the Developer tools tab. 

I can use an analytical app + chain app concept to see if data is present first, then the user can select the correct option to load to the right (if data is present) or left (if data is not present). It's a bit more tedious, but it does the job for now until we get the update.

Thanks again for your help! @geraldo