Hello Alteryx community,
I'm working with a dataset in Alteryx that presents a challenge due to non-consecutive repeating entries, where each set shares overlapping date values. My aim is to differentiate these entries clearly. Here is a description of the theoretical problem followed by a simplified example with dummy data, including the desired result:
Theory Explanation:
My dataset consists of variables that repeat in distinct groups corresponding to a 13-time-period cycle (e.g., monthly). After completing a cycle, other variables appear before the original variable may repeat.
Each group has overlapping dates, making it difficult to distinguish using simple logic applications.
The challenge is to append a suffix to repeated sets, differentiating subsequent occurrences from the initial batch without altering the existing sequence.
Example with Dummy Data (Theory Implementation):
First Set of Variable Example 1:
- Variable X - Date 1 - Value 10
Variable X - Date 2 - Value 20
...
Variable X - Date 13 - Value 130
Intervening Variable Set:
- Variable Y - Date 1 - Value 21
Variable Y - Date 2 - Value 22
...
Variable Y - Date 13 - Value 133
Second Set of Variable Example 1 (same dates, different values):
- Variable X - Date 1 - Value 140
Variable X - Date 2 - Value 150
...
Variable X - Date 13 - Value 260
Objective:
Implement a method in Alteryx to append identifiers like _2 to repeated variables, ensuring separation without overwriting earlier occurrences.
Challenges:
Non-consecutive occurrences combined with overlapping date ranges complicate simple logic applications.
Example with Realistic Dummy Data:
Alpha, Jan-2023, 100
Alpha, Feb-2023, 150
Alpha, Mar-2023, 175
...
Alpha, Dec-2023, 200
Beta, Jan-2023, 220
Beta, Feb-2023, 230
Beta, Mar-2023, 250
...
Beta, Dec-2023, 300
Alpha, Jan-2023, 210
Alpha, Feb-2023, 160
Alpha, Mar-2023, 155
...
Alpha, Dec-2023, 190
Desired Result:
Alpha, Jan-2023, 100
Alpha, Feb-2023, 150
Alpha, Mar-2023, 175
...
Alpha, Dec-2023, 200
Beta, Jan-2023, 220
Beta, Feb-2023, 230
Beta, Mar-2023, 250
...
Beta, Dec-2023, 300
Alpha_2, Jan-2023, 210
Alpha_2, Feb-2023, 160
Alpha_2, Mar-2023, 155
...
Alpha_2, Dec-2023, 190
