Overwrite different sheets in the same excel file on every run

[Arnavmahajan]

Hi,

I have a output excel file named "Exceptions" with 2 blank sheets "Unmapped" and "Unprocessed". There are two stages in the workflow that will generate an output and I want both outputs to be compiled under 1 main excel file named "Exceptions". I have a screenshot of the workflow below - circled the 2 output stages in red.

When I try to run the workflow I get an error (2nd screenshot). Currently my output data configuration is to 'overwrite sheet or range'.

1. Could you please help me understand if there is a way to compile both outputs in excel file?
2. If it would be possible to overwrite the 2 sheets with a different sheet name every time EG. if I run the workflow today, the sheet name becomes "Unmapped - 06 Nov 2023" and "Unprocessed - 06 Nov 2023". A some sort of date stamp for which the output has been generated

Would appreciate step by step instructions as I am relatively new to alteryx

[gawa · Accepted solution]

hi @Arnavmahajan 

Main issue seems that you try to output multiple sheet in the same Excel, but failed. This is a kind of FAQ, and you can solve it by placing Block Until Done tools before each Output tool.

See the below screenshot to clarify about what I mean. By doing this, Alteryx will lock file->write data=> unlock file, one by one for each output tool thereby there would be no scrambling.

Please note that if you use this technique, be sure to disable AMP engine(Configuration window=>Run time=>Uncheck Use AMP Engine) otherwise it will not work well (At least in my environment, using ver2022.3)

For second question, if you want to create dynamically named sheets, please utilize option "Take File/Table Name from Field" in Output tool. To do this, you need to create sheet name by typically using Formula tool, DateTimeNow() function, whatever. Also, don't forget it to make output option "Create New Sheet" in Output tool.

Good luck!

[Qiu]

@Arnavmahajan 
I believe you can try the tool "Block Until Done" tool?

[Arnavmahajan]

Thanks guys. Issue resolved