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Alteryx Server Discussions

Find answers, ask questions, and share expertise about Alteryx Server.

Best Practices for file locations/data inputs in workflows on the Gallery?

jes115
6 - Meteoroid

Hi everyone, 

 

We are relatively new the the Server. We have some users building workflows but having trouble understanding that desktop files are not accessible on the Server. What are best practices around communicating this/instruction workflow builders to avoid problems?  Do you generally just pull in files from a shared drive? Are there any other alternatives to allow the server to access files from a users' desktop or own documents?

 

Thank you!

5 REPLIES 5
RishiK
Alteryx
Alteryx

@jes115 personally I wouldn't recommend to have the Gallery point to a user's desktop to access files, etc.

 

There is an option where the user has a workflow/app run on the Gallery where they have the option to browse and select data from their Desktop/PC to run through the workflow.

 

I would recommend having the files/data, on a shared drive / file server, and ensure the machine that Alteryx Server is installed on has permissions to these locations.  Have a "service account" so its easier to manage permissions,etc.

 

When referring to the file locations, use the UNC path versions in the workflows. I have put down some useful links for you below:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Videos/Alteryx-Gallery-and-Best-Practices/td-p/175697

 

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Server-Knowledge-Base/tkb-p/server-kb/label-name/best%20pra...

 

https://www.theinformationlab.co.uk/2019/02/14/documentation-best-practices-with-alteryx/

 

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Workflow-Can-t-Read-Files-from-Shared-...

jes115
6 - Meteoroid

Hi @RishiK - thank you very much for your response and helpful links! Could you provide any more info on the option where the user can browse and select data from their PC to run through the workflow? We're just trying to gather info on all the options available. Thank you!

RishiK
Alteryx
Alteryx

@jes115 they can do this via converting the workflow into an app and through this the user can select a file from their machine to run through the workflow.

You can get going via a Virtual Solutions Center session with an expert:
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Virtual-Solution-Center/tkb-p/vsc

jes115
6 - Meteoroid

Thanks @RishiK, we will look into setting up time with the Virtual Solutions Center. We have converted the workflows into apps, but once we upload to the Gallery we run into the issue where the user can't select files from their machine/desktop as the Server doesn't typically have access to those files. 

RishiK
Alteryx
Alteryx

@jes115 what sort of errors do you get?

I think we can look into this in a 30 mins Virtual Session when you book one with the experts on our side.