Why is Alteryx NOT giving me an error for 'create new sheet' option?

Question

Hi,

For multiple outputs in a workflow, I normally use 'overwrite file (remove)' for output 1 and then 'overwrite sheet or range' for the rest of the outputs. This way, I don't have to manually delete my existing file for my workflow to work properly. However for my current project, I am having issues with my overall output file. It seems that my first output tool is not working at all - if that even makes sense. I deleted and re-configured but same issue. Basically, I don't get anything from output 1. I should get even just the tab with headers but it's not there. Also, I tested the tool so that based on my configuration, I should get an error like a user should get but it's not giving my anything i.e. I set the output option to 'create new sheet' without deleting my existing my file. The workflow still ran successfully. Just without my expected output.

Any idea why? My output tool no. 2 does not have any issue. It gives me the error and the correct output based on my configuration.

Appreciate any help.

Thank you.

output error.PNG

crazybeauti_ful · Answer

hi all,

thanks for your replies. my understanding of "create new sheets" is incorrect - sorry. i thought all along that 'create new sheet' is same as 'create new file' that's why I was expecting to get an error. i fixed my workflow by rearranging/simplifying some of the logic and using 'overwrite sheet or range' for all my output configurations.

appreciate your time and effort.

mst3k · Answer

I don't know if this is your problem, but you probably need a Block Until Done tool inserted in there. The first step needs to finish creating the file before the second step adds a new sheet to it. That may explain some of the strange behavior

apathetichell · Answer

Are you sure there are records in the true side of your anchor - not just the false side? Honestly not much else we can say without seeing more of the workflow.