Maintaining Static Data Across the Workflow

[alteryxtax]

Hi!

I have an input file that contains both Current Year and Prior Year columns. Initially, I populate the Prior Year column with the values from the Current Year column using a Formula tool (by selecting the Prior Year field and setting it equal to [Current Year].

Later in the workflow, I bring in another data source to populate the Current Year column with updated values. However, after using the Join Multiple tool, the original Formula tool appears to shift and starts referencing the new Current Year column instead, causing the Prior Year values to change.

How can I keep the original formula static so that the Prior Year column retains the original Current Year values and does not get overwritten after the join?

[jrlindem]

If you could provide your workflow with some fake data it would help, but if im understanding correctly, something you could consider is using the Append Fields tool and simply "appending" that original Prior Year field value (distinct) back onto the downstream side of your join tool.

Something like this (not attached since it's only built to illustrate the tools):

Hope this helps give you a spot to start.  -Jay

[OllieClarke]

Hi @alteryxtax 

I agree with @jrlindem that it will be easier to help you if you could share what your workflow currently looks like. Formula tools shouldn't be affected by downstream tools, so if you could give us a dummy workflow showcasing the issue we can more easily provide a solution :)