Process Multiple files through Workflow

[zalakinc]

Hello, 

I have workflow that is generating expected output. 

Question 1 - How do I process multiple files through it automatically?

Question 2 - How do I generate an output that combines output of multiple files?

Thanks

[joelmiller66 · Accepted solution]

Hi @zalakinc - Hope this helps answer your questions.

1) To process multiple files in Alteryx, there are a few things you can do.

- Input Data Tool with wildcard * - this will be if you have files located in the same folder with the same schema.

- Directory Tool - You can read folders to get a list of files to then read in dynamically (via Dynamic Input or Custom Macro)

- Dynamic Input Tool - This can be used to process multiple files. I would view the open example.

- Custom Macro - If you have files with varying schema, sheet names, locations, etc. this would be where you need to build a custom macro/batch macro.

2) To combine outputs into one output it depends what you want to do.

- Write to the same file but in different sheets using the Output Data Tool and it would be one tool per output you are writing to.

[Emmanuel_G]

Hi @zalakinc ,

Anything you ask for is possible.

Find attached a workflow which describes different ways to do that.

Let me know if you meet any issue.

[zalakinc]

Is there a way to generate output in a single excel file? instead of multiple sheets?

[Alteryx_AR]

@zalakinc 

1. To input multiple files, you can use directory and dynamic tool to extract data.

2. Another way to input multiple files just use input tool and use wild card * ..

3. Also visit below link. 

 Import multiple excel file(different schema)... - Alteryx Community

To output the files, use Output tool. It has various options-

1. Append to Existing Sheet - This adds the data to the bottom of the existing data in the sheet. This would be kind of Union functionality.

2. Overwrite Sheet (Drop) - Wipe the sheet, output the new data to the sheet without retaining anything from what was there before.

3. Overwrite File (Remove) - Erase and overwrite the entire file. So effectively replace what was there before, not only on an individual sheet, but overwriting the entire file.

4. Create New Sheet - This will add another tab in Excel, so sheet1; Sheet2 etc. Every time you run the workflow. This provides a new output every time and does not erase what was there previously.

Thank you 

[Emmanuel_G]

@zalakinc My solution exports data in one excel file.