Output data - after render

[apathetichell]

Am I crazy or was it possible in older (say pre 2021.2) version of Alteryx to output data to a file created with render in the same workflow assuming that such a process was done in a batch macro or otherwise timed properly via block until done etc...

Today I had some issues adding sheets via output data to a file created by render in a DIFFERENT workflow (ie a pre-existing excel file). That section of the workflow worked fine on a non-render created excel file but when tried with multiple render created excel files it crashed the xml of the new sheet.

Note in both of these cases - Alteryx says that it wrote out the correct number of records but upon opening and did not produce an in-Workflow/App error but upon opening I got the dreaded excel XML error message and there was no data in that sheet.

[DavidP · Accepted solution]

Hi @apathetichell 

Here's an example of how I've done it before.

The key is to create the Sheet using the Render tool and then you can overwrite it with the Output data tool, avoiding the XML error message.

I just retested the workflow in 2021.3 and it still works ok.

[apathetichell]

Thanks - for anyone following at home - let me give you a bit more nuance to @DavidP 's solution:

1) timing is key - make sure you output data after your render (which I did originally)

2) the sheet you want to output data must exist in render. That means rendering a blank sheet.

See @DavidP 's config here:

2. Note again - he has it as Overwrite Sheet or Range. He's already created the blank sheet.

3. Let's say you want to set this as create new sheet.

XML error message

I'd still refer to this as "a bug" but thanks for the workaround @DavidP ...

[ClaraLin]

I agree the solution is not ideal.  I prefer not to have to use Output tool to bypass this issue with Render tool.

[O674037]

@davidp See SS of my workflow. In essence, I want the output Render file to replace my input but as soon as I change the name of my render file in my solution it overwrites my original file. Am also having the issue with the error message but am having trouble figuring out where to place the Block tool. I am thinking it is impossible but am playing with the idea of designating a specific output sheet for the render? Right now I am just renaming the output file.