We recently hosted our Q3 Indy User Group Meeting which was a virtual meeting. After some brief introductions, Kenda and Digan teamed up to demonstrate possible solutions to an Alteryx challenge they built. This was very similar to the weekly challenges posted on the Community where you are given an input or set of inputs, a list of tasks that need to be completed and the final solution that you need to match.
Kenda began by demonstrating how to read in file and sheet names from a folder that contained multiple Excel files with multiple tabs in each file. She then demonstrated how to build a batch macro that would use the filepath information to read in each of the tabs in those files. It is always enjoyable to watch a pro build a macro! I know Macros can be intimadating but Kenda showed just how easy they can be to build and how they can be useful in solving a problem.
Digan picked up the workflow at this point and demonstrated some of the data preparation necessary to complete the challenge. So many good tips and tricks, and I am sure I will leave something out, so I encourage everyone to watch the attached recording to see them all. Items that Digan covered included:
- IF and IIF functions
- RegEx Replace function using the Formula tool
- Complex Custom Filters which includes IN and IF funtions
- Generate Rows tool
- Test tool
- Cross Tab and Traspose One Tool examples for visual reminder of what the tools do.
The test tool is not something I have used before so I really enjoyed seeing it in action. I also appreciated seeing how the IF function was used in a filter and the setup of the Generate Rows tools. I know I avoided the Generate Rows tool for a long time because the configuration was difficult for me to understand. Great to see a simple use of a tool that can be confusing to new and even some experienced Alteryx users.
The workflow they used to start their challenge is attached as well as the files they input if you would like to try to solve their challenge yourself. If you just want to look at their solution or need it as a reference while you try to solve it, it is also attached. Be aware that the Directory tool will point to a different place for anyone that downloads these files so you will need to save the inputs down as well and reconfigure the tool for your specific file locations.
Finally, Kenda and Digan competed in a friendly game where they each proposed a tip or trick and the audience voted on which tip or trick they preferred to hear about. The tip or trick with the most votes was then expanded upon. Digan was a slight unofficial winner over Kenda but I think the real winner was the audience. A lot of good information was shared on the following topics:
- Output Data to Tableau
- Control Containers
- Templates
- Run Until Selected
- Reference Shortcuts
- Crosstab - Keeping Special Characters
- Preserve Formatting in Excel Output
- Supress Blank Files in Output Data Tool
I want to thank Kenda and Digan for the hard work they put into the presentations. I also want to thank everyone who attended and participated. These virtual meetings are always more enjoyable when everyone gets involved. If you were not able to attend I would encourage you to watch the video and take a look at all the other attachments. Even if you did attend you may consider watching the video again. I almost always pick up something I missed during the live call when I rewatch these and this one was loaded with good info. I look forward to seeing everyone in Q4. As always, if you would like to present, host or have an idea for a future meeting please reach out to one of the user group leaders or post a meessage on our page.
@Desmond
@Kenda
@patrick_digan
