Importing a new excel file of different format using the output of previous excel file.

Question

I want to ask that is there a way/ tool in Alteryx such that I can open a new file using the output from a excel file. For example:

I have a excel file called A1.xlsx and I read a cell in this file using formula tool, using this information I want to open a file called B1.xlsx in my computer and work on this file without importing it on my own. Please note that both these files have different format and are located in different locations on my computer. So in summary using the info in A1.xlsx I want to import and open a new file on my canvas called B1.xlsx and work on that, both files have different format.

Thank you.

rzdodson · Answer

If both files (A1, B1) are formats that Alteryx supports, you can. Here are some steps I would follow:

Original workflow

1. Insert an Input tool: this will be your A1 file where you have the file name you are wanting to retrieve (B1).

2. Insert a Filter tool (filter to a specific cell) or a Summarize tool (you'll retrieve the file name with the Longest function inside the Summarize tool)

New workflow

3. Insert an Input tool: in this workflow the input file you select is kind of irrelevant - we are changing it with a Control Parameter.

4. Insert a Macro Output tool to the end of this workflow

5. Save this new workflow as a batch macro

Go back to your original workflow

6. Connect your macro to the Input tool you.

7. For the upside down question mark anchor, you'll connect the output anchors of your Filter or Summarize tool (whichever approach you took).

8. If it prompts you to update the parameter, select your field that has your file name.

Hope this helps!

(PS: If you are able to post your original workflow, I can help you with troubleshooting with where you are at.)

SPetrie · Answer

The dynamic input tool only cares if its importing multiple files of the same format. It should not care what format A is in, because you are only passing it the location of B.

Are you trying to open multiple files with the dynamic input tool?

alexnajm · Answer

@SPetrie is correct in my opinion, so can you share the workflow of what you tried?