Joins

Question

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie to Alteryx. I am trying to create a workflow like in the attachement, Tableau Joins.PNG.

Could anyone please help.

The first main table is the union of 5 files.

I did as in the below screenshot, Alteryx workflow.PNG but i didn't understood which one i can link to Tableau. Do I have to link Union or Join(which join), really confused.

I finally have to publish this to Tableau Server.

Tableau Joins.PNG

Alteryx workflow.PNG

DawnDuong · Answer

Hi @Lalithakpra

perhaps it is terminology confusion. Trying to “dump it down” the difference between Join vs Union:
join = vlookup in excel (new columns)

union = stacking the rows on top of each others (New rows)

I highly recommend that you see the interactive lessons on Union and Tool (academy > interactive lessons > click on the “for excel users” tile). About 2-3 minute each and then you will know the settings to do all the join/union configuration you need!

from your descriptions, it sound like you need a Join to pick up different fields from different sources.

alteryx works from left to right (or top to bottom if you are Team Vertical). So the one you should connect to tableau is the output anchor of the last Join tool after you have joined all the tables you need.

Dawn

dougperez · Answer

Hello @Lalithakpra , have you looked at the link: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/Left-Right-and-Full-Outer-Joins-are-easy/ta-p/424651

To do a Left Join in alteryx, you must union "L" output with "J" output in Join tool

This is explained in the link.

If this helps, mark as solution, it helps me too!

Lalithakpra · Answer

All I want is data from all the tables(because i need few columns from each table) but left outer on Cost Table(union of all 5 files) .

The Tableau Joins.PNG is how i do it in Tableau(I do so simple in Tableau) but the problem i have in Tableau was i cannot union all those 5 different excels which is the reason i am using Alteryx.

First i have to Union Cost Files and then join with Employee table so on as in my first screenshot..