Ways to check batch macro is working or not

Question

Hi everyone,

It seems batch macro problems has been inevitable for me. I have figured out the working of batch macro, however just wanted to have a QC check on the macro as to all the files are being taken into consideration or not. If yes then only proceed else thrown an error message kind of thing.

Any sort of help would be appreciated.

clmc9601 · Answer

Hi @Deba93,

I totally understand! Sometimes it's hard to confirm exactly what a batch macro is doing. Here are my suggestions:

- Create a batch identifier, like a formula tool adding a new column within the macro that changes per batch. Then you'll be able to see which output records come from which batches. I believe you can now access the batch iteration number, so that might be useful. Then you can count the number of distinct batch iterations to see if it matches what you expect.

- Watch your number of records output carefully. Are you getting the number out that you expected?

- you can potentially use the number of records in conjunction with an error tool to force an error

- Add some extra macro outputs along the macro's process so you can see exactly how the macro is changing the data

- this is especially useful if you have a filter tool within your workflow. Connect the macro output to the filter anchor that would normally drop records. Then when you run the macro, you will be able to see exactly what is being dropped within the macro.

I realize these are not all automatic fixes like you described. However, if the macro is not incorporating all of the files, there is likely a problem with the logic of the workflow. So, keeping an eye on these metrics (or using an error tool to keep an eye on them) can give clues to the macro. I hope this is helpful!