XLS Dynamic Input

[clarrock]

Hi Team

I have a file that is in xls format.. And whose table name or sheet name changes everyday

How do I use the dynamic input tool to input the file from a directory

I seem to get errors when doing so. 

Please do send a simple workflow with a template you used - it would be really helpful

Thank you

[atcodedog05]

Hi @clarrock 

Is this the same zip folder shared by which you are getting issue with ?

Can you see what is the output coming out of python tool.

[atcodedog05]

Hi @clarrock 

Your expected output from the python tool should be this.

And output log should be like this.

I dont see any python tool logs in your log summary. Can you please check on that and let me know.

I will do my best to help you out 🙂

[clarrock]

@atcodedog05 Thanks, can you please downgrade the workflow for 2019.3

[atcodedog05]

Hi @clarrock 

This will help you downgrade. Its pretty easy process

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/How-to-downgrade-yxmd-Workflow-yxmc-Ma...

And workflow(.yxmd) should open even if its older version 

[PhilippK]

Hello @clarrock ,

Maybe this solution helps you, too:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Dynamic-Input-tool-use-of-xls-file-ext...

Best regards

Phil

[atcodedog05]

This is amazing @PhilippK 🙂

[clarrock]

@PhilippK this is a good solution for known sheet names. But I have sheet names that change on a daily basis and the python tool used doesn't seem to work in my system : unfortunately. Is there an other way I can get the sheet name and then probably add a $ sign to the file path

Please help

[DavidP]

I'm pretty sure the CreW Macros wildcard input and/or wildcard xlsx Input tools can load multiple XLS files.

The main problem with XLS files is that you can't get a List of Sheet Names with normal tools.

[PhilippK · Accepted solution]

Hello @clarrock ,

I build a dynamic XLS macro for you (see attached). 

After the import, you need to customize some paths for your machine:

1.) change directory:

2.) open the macro and change the Run Command path:

Here you can read the details about its configuration (section 1C):

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/How-To-Input-Excel-Files-That-Have-...

3.) Run container "Step 1". After the successful run, your XLS is converted to a XLSX.

4.) Adjust the paths in Container "Step 2":

5.) Run the whole workflow.

The workflow assumes you have only one XLS stored in a folder. In case you have multiple files and you want to take the latest file only - this is a good article:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/How-to-dynamically-run-the-most-rec...

Please let me know whether this helps you.

Best regards

Phil