Action tool not passing filepath when scheduled from server, but works when I manually run

[BlaseG]

Hi Team,

Here is the issue I'm facing. 

I'm passing a filepath to azure datalake download tool with the action tool. The formula I'm using is updating the filepath to today's date, to pull today's file and download it.

When I manually select "Run" on the server, this works as expected.

However, when I schedule this workflow it does not update the date, and keeps the original date from action tool.  So in this example, it downloads the file from 03/12.  

Any idea how to pass the value when scheduling the workflow?  Why does this work when manually run, but not work when scheduled?

Attached are some pictures to show you what I'm doing.

Appreciate any input.  

Thanks,

Blase

[BlaseG]

I found online that scheduled jobs don't use the interface tools such as a action tool- anyone know how to pass a new file path based on a formula to the azure data lake tool?

[fmvizcaino]

Hey @BlaseG ,

You can add the action tool and the Azure download tool inside a simple macro + a macro output to bring the data to the workflow itself.

Best,

FErnando Vizcaino

[BlaseG]

@fmvizcaino Do you have any example of what this workflow would look like by any chance?  Just the macro/macro output?  I haven't used a macro before but if this is possible, that would be exactly what I need.  

Using a action tool works when I manually select run on the gallery, but when I schedule the workflow, the action tool doesn't update the filepath to pull from.

From what I've read online, it's because interface tools don't work with scheduled workflows.

[albert_alaluf]

@BlaseG 

I suggest you reference control, sending the link below.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works/What-Are-Reference-Shortcuts-And-Why-You-Should-Be-Usi...

They're very powerful, it could be sometimes complex, but your workflow would look simpler. When you use it, believe me, you don't want to back to action tool.

[BlaseG]

Thanks I'll take a look at this since I still haven't found a solution.  I've just been manually running my workflow since action tool doesn't work when scheduled.  I find it to be so weird that the action tool works when I select "Run" but when scheduled, it's not supported, according the Alteryx.  Seems silly to me...

[BlaseG]

Hi Everyone, 

I'm still having issues with this.  When I manually run the workflow, it works fine.  When scheduled doesn't work.  It looks like action tool does not work with scheduled jobs.  

I was reading into batch macros but don't fully understand them.  

Pretty much this is what is happening now in my workflow.  

1. Action tool formula to update azure data lake file path

Update is for today's date, and the file name

2. This new filepath is passed to azure data lake download tool

3. This allows me to download todays file

Attached are some screen shots.  

I've been manually running the workflow everyday since when I schedule it, it doesn't work.  Any help would be really appreciated.  

[BlaseG]

I can't figure out how to do this.  Since my workflow starts with a action tool, how do I turn that into a macro?

I know for input tools , I can convert to macro input.  

This workflow has about 14 action tools, all with different formulas to update file path, then 14 azure data lake input tools, to download the files.  

Workflow pretty much downloads 14 files related to today's date.  

[patrick_digan · Accepted solution]

Hi @BlaseG! I've attached a simple example to hopefully help you! I think you should do something like this:

1) In your original workflow, click on the canvas.

2) Then in the configuration panel on the left, click the Workflow tab and then select the Macro radio button. It should show Standard Macro in the box:

3) Go to File and Save. It should automatically change it to a yxmc now that it's a macro. Keep your macro open.

4) Create a new workflow/app. I don't think it matters whether it's a workflow or an app.

5) Save that workflow/app in the same folder as your macro.

6) In your new workflow/app, right click on the canvas, select insert, then select Macro at the bottom, and then choose your macro that's open:

 7) Save your workflow/app.

8) When you save your workflow to the gallery, go ahead and package the macro with it.  To do that, when you save to the gallery, go to workflow options, manage workflow assets, and make sure your macro is checked:

Now when you schedule the workflow/app, the action tools in the macro should work as expected. 

[BlaseG]

@patrick_digan   Wow this worked perfectly.  You also explained it so well.  This helped me tremendously, the way you structured the answer was so easy to follow!!

Thanks,

Blase