Tool Overview Getting Started Module Design Getting Started - Module Optimization

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1 Tips & Tricks 2013

2 Table of Contents Tool Overview Favorites Input / Output Calculation Join Utility Report / Presentation Spatial Predictive Macros NEW Cloud Connectors NEW Macros Developer Tools Calgary Address Demographic Analysis Behavior Analysis Tools Laboratory Getting Started Module Design Renaming Tools Set Record Limit for the Input Document Your Module With Text Comments Tool Containers Finding a Tool in Your Module Module Packager Getting Started - Module Optimization Resource Optimization Settings Tools That Sort Select Tool Filter Auto Field Tool Connection Progress View Disable Browse Tools Utilize All Processors... 40

3 Input and Output Getting past Schema/# of fields issues on wildcard (*) Inputs Quick Access to Previously Saved Data Outputting to an Excel Template The Render Tool Can Create Folders The Browse Tool Is An Output Tool Alteryx Analytics Gallery What is a Data Artisan? What is a Member? Is it possible to share the same studio as my colleague? I want to share specific apps, is this possible? Adding a Description to Your App/Changing the Icon Using.pcxml in your Output gives the User Options Alteryx Scheduler Tips and Tricks for the Alteryx Scheduler Getting Connected in a BIG way Connecting to Databases Fuzzy Matching Tips and Tricks for Fuzzy Matching Alteryx Reporting Copy and Paste for Map tool Unique Value Theme Settings Using Legend Splitter/Builder to Modify the Legend The Overlay tool isn t just for Legends Analytic Apps and Macros Analytic App Values Chained Apps Pick up a file from TEMP Analytic App Update an IN clause from Tree Selection Analytic Apps Best Practices Macro Connection Abbreviations Other Tips & Tricks Shortcut through the tools XML Dataset Defaults, a time saver Leverage Switch Statements Tips and Tricks for Alteryx Web

4 Favorites Think of the Browse tool as a window into your data. Use the Table, Reporting, Map, and Behavior Tabs to get a closer look at your data. The Filter tool queries records in your file to meet specified criteria. The tool creates two outputs, True and False. True is where the data met the specified criteria; False is where it does not. The Formula tool is a powerful processor of data and formulas. Use it to add a field to an input table, to create new data fields based on an expression or data relationship, or to update an existing field based on these same premises. The Input tool can be the starting point for any project in Alteryx. The input tool opens the source data to be used in the analysis. The Join tool combines two inputs based on a commonality between the two tables. Its function is like a SQL join but gives the option of creating 3 outputs resulting from the join. The Output tool is used anytime results are needed from the analysis. The output tool opens the data results derived from the analysis. The Sample tool extracts a specified portion of the records in the data stream. The Select tool is a multi-function utility that allows for selected fields to be carried through downstream, renaming fields, reordering field position in the file, and changing the field type. The Sort tool arranges the records in a table in alphanumeric order based on the values of the specified data fields. The Summarize tool can conduct a host of Summary Processes within the input table, including: grouping, summing, count, spatial object processing, and much more. Tool Overview 3

5 The Text Comment tool adds annotation to the project workspace. This is useful to jot down notes, explain processes to reference later. The Text Input tool makes it possible for the user to manually type text to create small data files for input. It is useful for creating Lookup tables on the fly. The Union tool appends multiple data streams into one unified stream. The tool accepts multiple inputs based on either field name or record position, creating a stacked output table. The user then has complete control to how these fields stack or match up. Input/Output Think of the Browse tool as a window into your data. Use the Table, Reporting, Map, and Behavior Tabs to get a closer look at your data. The Directory tool returns all the files in a specified directory. Along with file names, other pertinent information about each file is returned, including file size, creation date, last modified, and much more. The Dynamic Input tool allows the user to read from an input database at runtime and dynamically choose what records to read in. Alteryx does not input the entire database table content, instead it filters the data and only returns the user specified criteria and joins it to the data coming into the tool. The Input tool can be the starting point for any project in Alteryx. Every project must have an input and output. The input tool opens the source data to be used in the analysis. The input tool reads information from the following file formats: csv, mdb, dbf, xls, mid/mif, shp, tab, geo, mdb, sz, yxdb, sdf, unknown file types (eg..txt), flat oledb, odbc, Oracle spatial, kml, accdb, xlsx. 4 Tool Overview

6 The Mongo Input tool is used for reading data stored in MongoDB databases. MongoDB is a scalable, highperformance, open source NoSQL database. Learn more about MongoDb at: MongoDB databases store data in a BSON format which is binary JSON. Learn more about BSON at The Mongo Output tool is used for writing data to MongoDB databases. MongoDB is a scalable, highperformance, open source NoSQL database. The Output tool is used anytime results are needed from the analysis. The Output tool will write the results of the analysis to the following formats: csv, mdb, accdb, dbf, xls, html, flat, oci, mid/mif, shp, tab, geo, sz, sdf, yxdb, mdb, kml, oledb, odbc. The Reporting Render tool transforms report Snippets into presentation-quality reports in PDF, HTML, XLSX, DOCX, RTF and Portfolio Composer (*.pcxml) formats. These outputs can be temporary or written to a disc. The Teradata Bulk Loader is used for writing large volumes of data at a high speed to an empty table on a Teradata Database. Besides being empty, the target table cannot have defined any secondary indexes. The user must have SELECT and INSERT privileges on the target table, SELECT and INSERT privileges on the error tables, and DROP privileges on the database containing the error tables. The Teradata Tools and Utilities must be installed on the computer (the latest version is 14.0 which is the recommended version of these tools). For more information about Teradata, see their website at: The Text Input tool makes it possible for the user to manually type text to create small data files for input. It is useful for creating Lookup tables on the fly, for example. The inputted data from the Text Input tool will save with the module; therefore, users can share the module with other users and they will not need the input dataset to run the module. Tool Overview 5

7 Calculation The Date Time tool standardizes and formats date/ time data so that it can be used in expressions and functions from the Formula or Filter tools. The Formula Tool is a powerful processor of data and formulas. Use it to add a field to an input table, to create new data fields based on an expression or data relationship, or to update an existing field based on these same premises. The Generate Rows tool will create new rows of data, at the record level. This tool is useful to create a sequence of numbers, transactions, or dates. The Multi Field Formula tool makes it easy to execute a single function on multiple fields. The Multi-Row Formula tool takes the concept of the Formula Tool a step further, allowing the user to utilize row data as part of the formula creation. This tool is useful for parsing complex data, and creating running totals, averages, percentages and other mathematical calculations. The Regular Expression tool is a robust data parser. There are four types of output methods that determine the type of parsing the tool will do. These methods are explained in the Configuration Properties. The Running Total tool calculates a cumulative sum per record in a file. The Summarize tool can conduct a host of Summary Processes within the input table, including: grouping, summing, count, spatial object processing, and much more. 6 Tool Overview

8 Join The Append Fields tool will Append the fields of one small input (Source) to every record of another larger input (Target). The result is a Cartesian Join where all records from both inputs are compared. The Find and Replace tool searches for data in one field from the input table and replaces it with a specified field from a different data table. The Join tool combines two inputs based on a commonality between the two tables. Its function is like a SQL join but gives the option of creating 3 outputs resulting from the join. The Join Multiple tool combines two or more inputs based on a commonality between the input tables. Only the joined records are outputted through the tool, resulting in a wide (columned) file. The Spatial Match tool establishes the spatial relationship between two sets of spatial objects. The tool accepts a set of spatial objects from the Left Input (Targets) and a set of spatial objects from the Right Input (Universe). At least one input stream should contain Polygon type spatial objects. The Union tool appends multiple data streams into one unified stream. The tool accepts multiple inputs based on either field name or record position, creating a stacked output table. The user then has complete control to how these fields stack or match up. Tool Overview 7

9 Utility The Arrange tool allows you to manually transpose and rearrange your data fields for presentation purposes. Data is transformed so that each record is turned into multiple records. Columns can be created manually or by using field description data. The Auto Field tool reads through an input file and sets the field type to the smallest possible size relative to the data contained within the column. The Cross Tab pivots the orientation of the data table. It transforms the data so vertical data fields can be viewed on a horizontal axis summarizing data where specified. The Dynamic replace tool allows the user to quickly replace data values on a series of fields, based on a condition. The data replacement can be based on formulas or static values. The Filter tool queries records in your file to meet specified criteria. The tool creates two outputs, True and False. True is where the data met the specified criteria; False is where it did not. The Fuzzy Matching tool can be used to identify non-identical duplicates of a database by specifying parameters to match on. Values need not be exact to find a match, they just need to fall within the user specified or prefabricated parameters set forth in the configuration properties. The Make Group tool takes data relationships and assembles the data into groups based on those relationships. The Record ID tool assigns a unique identifier to each data record. The ID generated is a numeric value that could also be a string where leading zeros are appended to the ID. 8 Tool Overview

10 The Regular Expression tool is a robust data parser. There are four types of output methods that determine the type of parsing the tool will do. These methods are explained in the Configuration Properties. The Sample tool extracts a specified portion of the records in the data stream. The Select tool is a multi-function utility that allows for selected fields to be carried through downstream, renaming fields, reordering field position in the file, and changing the field type. The Sort tool arranges the records in a table in alphanumeric order based on the values of the specified data fields. The Test tool is useful for testing assumptions one may have regarding their data or a process. This tool throws an error when a user-specified condition is not met. The Text To Columns tool takes the text in one column and splits the string value into separate, multiple columns (or rows), based on a single or multiple delimiter(s). The Tile tool assigns a value (tile) based on ranges in the data. It does this based on the user specifying one of five methods. The Transpose tool allows you to pivot the orientation of the data table. It transforms the data so you may view Horizontal data fields on a vertical axis. The Transpose tool is the reverse application of the Cross Tab Tool which pivots the orientation of the data from vertical to horizontal. The Unique tool distinguishes whether a data record is unique or a duplicate by grouping on one or more specified fields, then sorting on those fields. The first record in each group is sent to the Unique output stream, while the remaining records are sent to the Duplicate output stream. Tool Overview 9

11 Report / Presentation The Arrange tool allows you to manually transpose and rearrange your data fields for presentation purposes. Data is transformed so that each record is turned into multiple records and columns can be created by using field description data or manually created. The Charting tool allows the user to display data in various chart types. The Reporting tool allows you to use a data stream to send s for each record. This tool automatically detects SMTP address, and will allow attachments or even generated reports. The Reporting Image tool allows the user to add graphics to reports. The Reporting Layout tool enables the user to arrange Reporting Snippets. The tool can be configured to organize Snippets horizontally or vertically, adjust the width and height of layouts, add borders and separators to layouts and to configure the alignment and width and height for columns and rows. The Reporting Map tool enables the user to create a map image from the Alteryx GUI. The tool accepts multiple spatial inputs and allows for layering these inputs and supports thematic map creation. Other cartographic features can be included such as a legend, scale and reference layers. This macro takes the components output from the Map Legend Splitter macro and builds them back into a legend table. If you add a Legend Builder tool immediately after a Map Legend Splitter tool, the resulting legend will be the same as the legend output originally from the Map tool. The purpose of the two macros is that you can change the data between them and therefore creating a custom legend. 10 Tool Overview

12 This macro will take a legend from the Map tool and split it into its component parts. Once split, the legend can be customized by the use of other tools. Be sure to use the Map Legend Builder macro to easily build the legend again. The Reporting Overlay tool allows reporting snippets (maps, text, images, etc) to be placed on top of one another. The Reporting Render tool transforms report Snippets into presentation-quality reports in PDF, HTML, XLSX, DOCX, RTF and Portfolio Composer (*.pcxml) formats. This macro will allow a user to easily setup and put a footer onto their report. This macro will allow a user to easily setup and put a header onto their report. The Running Total tool calculates a cumulative sum per record in a file. The Reporting Table tool allows the user to create basic data tables and pivot tables from their input data. The Reporting Text tool allows the user to add text to reports and documents. All of the reporting tools provide data driven reporting, and the text tool allows the user to add values from input data and to change the style of the text. The Tile tool assigns a value (tile) based on ranges in the data. It does this based on the user specifying one of five methods. Tool Overview 11

13 Spatial The Buffer tool expands or contracts any polygon or polyline spatial object by its extents based on a user-specified value. The Create Points from Fields tool creates a pointtype spatial object by specifying input fields containing the X coordinate (Long) and the Y coordinate (Lat). This is usually done to prepare the input data for spatial processing using Alteryx spatial tools, e.g., the Spatial Match tool, Distance tool, or Create Trade Area tool. The Distance tool calculates the ellipsoidal direct point-to-point or point-to-edge distance between two sets of spatial objects. The Find Nearest tool identifies the shortest distance between spatial objects in one file and objects in a second file. The Formula tool is a powerful processor of data and formulas. Use it to add a field to an input table, to create new data fields based on an expression or data relationship, or to update an existing field based on these same premises. The Generalize tool will decrease the number of nodes that make up a polygon or polyline, making a simpler rendition of the original spatial object. The Geocoder US Suite is an example of a Macro Module created by a power user with the Macro tool to assemble a complex process into a simple single tool. The Make Grid tool takes a specified spatial object (point or polygon) and creates a grid based on the spatial object. The resulting grid is either a single grid, bound to the extent of the input spatial objects, or individual grids that dissect each input polygon. 12 Tool Overview

14 The Reporting Map tool enables the user to create a map image from the Alteryx GUI. The tool accepts multiple spatial inputs and allows for layering these inputs and supports thematic map creation. Other cartographic features can be included such as a legend, scale and reference layers. The Poly-Build tool looks at a group of spatial point objects and draws a polygon or polyline in a specific sort order to represent that group of points. The Poly-Split tool looks at polygon or polyline objects and splits them into their component point, line, or region objects. The Smooth tool takes a polygon or polyline object and adds nodes to smooth sharp angles into curves along the lines that make up the object. The Spatial Info tool extracts tabular information about the spatial object. Attributes such as: area, spatial object, number of parts, number of points, and centroid Latitude /Longitude coordinates can be revealed. The Spatial Match tool establishes the spatial relationship between two sets of spatial objects. The tool accepts a set of spatial objects from the Left Input (Targets) and a set of spatial objects from the Right Input (Universe). At least one input stream should contain Polygon type spatial objects. The Spatial Process performs high-level spatial object editing from a simple, single tool. You can combine multiple objects or cut the spatial objects of the input table. The Summarize tool can conduct a host of Summary Processes within the input table, including: grouping, summing, count, spatial object processing, string concatenation, and much more. The Trade Area tool creates regions around specified point objects in the input file. Trade Areas are created one of two ways: either by defining a radius around a point, or by a drivetime. Tool Overview 13

15 Predictive Macros The Calgary Cross Count tool enables users to aggregate data across multiple Calgary database fields to return a count per record group. The Append Cluster tool appends the cluster assignments from a K-Centroids Cluster Analysis tool to a data stream. The data stream does not need to be the same one that the cluster solution is based on. However, it must contain the set of fields (with the same names, but not necessarily the same values) used to create the original cluster solution. Any field standardization that was done as part of constructing the original cluster solution will also be applied. K-Centroids represent a class of algorithms for doing what is known as partitioning cluster analysis. These methods work by taking the records in a database and dividing (partitioning) them into the best K groups based on some criteria The K-Centroids Diagnostic tool is designed to allow the user to make an assessment of the appropriate number of clusters to specify given the data and the selected clustering algorithm (K-Means, K-Medians, or Neural Gas) This tool splits the input records into two or three random samples. In the tool you specify the percentage of records that are in the estimation and validation samples. If the total is less than 100%, the remaining records fall in the holdout sample. 14 Tool Overview

16 A Decision Tree learning model is a class of statistical methods that predict a target variable using one or more variables that are expected to have an influence on the target variable, and are often called predictor variables. This tool provides the user a summary report of descriptive statistics for the selected data fields. This information provides the user a concise summary of the data fields to give the user a greater understanding of the data being analyzed. Also provided are Remarks which provide suggestions on best practices of managing the particular data field. A Forest Model is a class of machine learning methods that predict a target variable using one or more variables that are expected to have an influence on the target variable, and are often called predictor variables. Lift Chart is a term that is applied to a collection of different graphs that are used to both visually assess the comparative accuracy of different binary (i.e., yes/no) classification models to predict new data, and can be used to make an assessment of the expected economic implications of the use of a predictive model in a business process A nested hypothesis test is used to examine whether two models, one of which contains a subset of the variables contained in the other, are statistically equivalent in terms of their predictive capability. It is often the case for data used to develop a binary classification predictive model that the target variable has a much higher proportion of negative ( no ) responses then positive ( yes ) responses. The Plot of Means tool takes a numeric or binary categorical field (with the binary categorical field converted into a set of zero and one values) as a response field along with a categorical field and plots the mean of the response field for each of the categories (levels) of the categorical field. Tool Overview 15

17 Principal components is a tool that allows the dimensions (the number of numeric fields) in a database to be reduced. It does this by transforming the original set of fields into a smaller set that accounts for most of the variance (i.e., information) in the data. A linear regression (also called a linear model or a least-squares regression) is a statistical method that relates a variable of interest (a target variable) to one or more variables that are expected to have an influence on the target variable, and are often called predictor variables. A logistic regression model is a class of statistical methods that relates a binary (e.g., yes/no) variable of interest (a target variable) to one or more variables that are expected to have an influence on the target variable, and are often called predictor variables. Stepwise regression* is a set of approaches for determining the best predictor variables to include in a model out of a larger set of potential predictor variables for linear, logistic, and other traditional regression models. This tool makes enhanced scatterplots, with options to include boxplots in the margins, a linear regression line, a smooth curve via non-parametric regression, a smoothed conditional spread, outlier identification, and a regression line. The Score macro takes as inputs an R model object produced by the Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Forest Model, or Linear Regression macro and a data stream that is consistent with the model object (in terms of field names and the field types) and outputs the data stream with a one (for a model with a continuous target) or two or more (for a a model with a categorical target) Score (fitted value) field(s) appended to the data stream. 16 Tool Overview

18 This tool estimates a univariate time series forecasting model using an autoregressive integrated moving average (or ARIMA) method. This macro compares one or more univariate time series models created with either the ETS or ARIMA macros. This tool estimates a univariate time series forecasting model using an exponential smoothing method. The TS Forecast tool provides forecasts from either an ARIMA or ETS model for a user specified number of future periods. This tool provides a number of different univariate time series plots that are useful in both better understanding the time series data and determining how to proceed in developing a forecasting model. Tool Overview 17

19 Cloud Connectors The Amazon S3 Download tool will retrieve data stored in the cloud where it is hosted by Amazon Simple Storage Service. The Amazon S3 Upload tool will transfer data from Alteryx to the cloud where it is hosted by Amazon Simple Storage Service. The Download tool will retrieve data from a specified URL to be used in downstream processing or to be saved to a file. The Explorer Box is populated with a web page or file location of the user s specification. It displays the contents of the specified URL in the confines of a box on the module canvas. The Salesforce Input tool allows you to read and query tables from Salesforce.com into Alteryx. The Salesforce Output tool allows you to write to Salesforce.com tables from Alteryx. The SharePoint Input tool reads lists from SharePoint to be used as a data input in a module. The SharePoint Output tool writes the content of a data stream to a SharePoint list. 18 Tool Overview

20 Macros This Macro returns a count of how many records are going through the tool. This tool splits the input records into two or three random samples. In the tool you specify the percentage of records that are in the estimation and validation samples. If the total is less than 100%, the remaining records fall in the holdout sample. This Macro will return a single record: the Date and Time at the module runtime, and convert the value into the string format of the user s choosing. This macro helps users match their customer or prospect file to the Dun & Bradstreet business file. This macro helps users match their customer file to the Experian ConsumerView Household file. This tool provides the user a summary report of descriptive statistics for the selected data fields. This information provides the user a concise summary of the data fields to give the user a greater understanding of the data being analyzed. Also provided are Remarks which provide suggestions on best practices of managing the particular data field. This Macro will utilize Alteryx s Geocoding suite of products (CASS, Street Geocoder, and US ZIP + 4 Coder) to geocode a customer file. This tool currently only works for US addresses. Tool Overview 19

21 The Heat Map macro considers individual records (e.g. customers) as sources of heat (e.g. demand) and generates polygons representing different levels of heat in a given area. This macro takes the components output from the Map Legend Splitter macro and builds them back into a legend table. If you add a Legend Builder tool immediately after a Map Legend Splitter tool, the resulting legend will be the same as the legend output originally from the Map tool. The purpose of the two macros is that you can change the data between them and therefore creating a custom legend. This macro will take a legend from the Map tool and split it into its component parts. Once split, the legend can be customized by the use of other tools. Be sure to use the Map Legend Builder macro to easily build the legend again. This Macro will create drivetime trade areas that do not overlap, for a point file. It is often the case for data used to develop a binary classification predictive model that the target variable has a much higher proportion of negative ( no ) responses then positive ( yes ) responses. The Pearson coefficient is obtained by dividing the covariance of the two variables by the product of their standard deviations.* product-moment_correlation_coefficient 20 Tool Overview

22 This macro constructs trade areas around stores consisting of pie wedges whose extent depends on the distribution of customers around the store. This Macro takes a data field whose rows are pipe delimited. Each time a pipe is detected, a new row is created for the subsequent value. Its purpose is to facilitate the creation of reports from the key-value tables produced by R tools. This Macro will return an expected number of records resulting in a random sample of the incoming data stream. This macro will allow a user to easily setup and put a footer onto their report. This macro will allow a user to easily setup and put a header onto their report. This macro will select input records of the user s choosing, even discontinuous ranges of records. It is very useful for troubleshooting and sampling. Spearman s rank correlation coefficient assesses how well an arbitrary monotonic function could describe the relationship between two variables, without making any other assumptions about the particular nature of the relationship between the variables.* This Macro will calculate the weighted average of an incoming data field. A weighted average is similar to a common average, but instead of all records contributing equally to the average, the idea of weight means some records contribute more than others. Tool Overview 21

23 Developer Tools API Output. The Block Until Done tool stops downstream processing until the very last record has arrived. On output, it also ensures that only a single output stream gets records at a time. Subsequent streams will be blocked until all the records are pushed through the 1st. The Detour tool is useful in constructing wizard or macro modules, where the developer can prompt a user to bypass a process in a module. The Detour End tool will unify the data processes from a resulting Detour upstream into a single stream for further analysis in Wizard and Macro modules. The dynamic input tool allows the user to read from an input database at runtime and dynamically choose what records to read in. The Dynamic Rename tool allows the user to quickly rename any or all fields within an input stream by employing the use of different methods. Additionally, dynamic or unknown fields can be renamed at runtime. The Dynamic replace tool allows the user to quickly replace data values on a series of fields, based on a condition. The data replacement can be based on formulas or static values. The Dynamic Select tool allows fields to be selected (or de-selected) either by field type or via a formula. Additionally dynamic or unknown fields will also be selected by field type or via formula at runtime. 22 Tool Overview

24 The Field Info tool allows the user to see in tabular form, the name of fields within a data stream as well as the field order, field type and field size. A typical use scenario is to combine with the Test tool (and maybe BlockUntilDone) to validate a schema is correct before doing scheduled processing. The Message tools allows the user to report messages about a specific process to the Output Window. The R tool is a code editor for users of R, an open-source code base used for statistical and predictive analysis. The user must be proficient in R scripting to use this tool. The Run Command tool allows the Alteryx user to run external command programs. This tool can be used as an Input, Output or as a pass through, intermediary tool. The test tool is useful for testing assumptions one may have regarding their data or a process. This tool will throw an error when a userspecified condition is not met. The XML parse tool will read in a chunk of Extensible Markup Language (XML) and parse it into individual fields. Tool Overview 23

25 Calgary The Calgary Cross Count tool enables users to aggregate data across multiple Calgary database fields to return a count per record group. The Calgary Cross Count Append tool provides users with the ability to take an input file and append counts to records that join to a Calgary database. The Calgary Input tool enables users to query a Calgary database. The Calgary join tool provides users with the ability to take an input file and perform joins against a Calgary database. The Calgary Loader enables users to create a Calgary database (*.cydb) from any type of Input file. Each field contained in the Input file can be indexed to maximize the Calgary database performance. 24 Tool Overview

26 Address The CASS tool takes the input address file and checks it against the USPS Coding Accuracy Support System. The tool cleans up the data, by correcting address information to the US Postal Service Standard. It also appends valuable address-specific information to the data. The Geocoder US Suite is an example of a Macro Module created by a power user with the Macro tool to assemble a complex process into a simple single tool. The CASS Address Parse tool breaks down a street address into its component parts, such as street number, directional (S, NW, and so on), street name, and suffix (ST, RD, BLVD). Geocoding associates geographic coordinates with input addresses, letting you pinpoint locations and carry out geography-based analyses. The Street Geocoder tool converts a multi-line address into a normalized form, with latitude and longitude, spatial object, and additional fields specific to the coding process. The US ZIP9 Coder associates geographic coordinates with input ZIP9 (also known as ZIP+4) codes in an address file, enabling the user to carry out geographybased analyses. The US ZIP9 Coder appends latitude and longitude, county and state FIPS code, and census tract and block number. Tool Overview 25

27 Demographic Analysis The properties window dynamically adapts to selections within the module. It offers options relevant to each tool brought into the module, or to the module itself (when no tool is selected). The Allocate Input tool allows the user to pick geographies and data variables from any Allocate dataset installed on the user s system. The most recent dataset used in Allocate will always be the default dataset that opens within this tool. The Allocate MetaInfo tool returns pertinent information about installed Allocate datasets. The Allocate Report tool allows the user to retrieve and run any pre-formatted or custom report associated with Allocate. Reports can be exported to Reporting Snippets, HTML, PDF, RTF, XLS, and Alteryx Composer s PCXML format. 26 Tool Overview

28 Behavior Analysis Tools The Behavior Detail tool returns detailed field information at the Cluster or Group level specific to the Profile. The Behavior Metainfo tool returns pertinent information about installed Behavior Analysis data sets. The Cluster Code tool will append a Cluster Code field to a stream of records using a Cluster Level ID, such as a Block Group Key. The Compare Behavior tool analyzes 2 Profile sets, comparing one against the other. Think of it as building a matched set: Analyze this/ these using this/these. The Create Behavior Profile tool takes an incoming data stream and constructs a Behavior Profile from its contents. A Profile can be built using a database, Polygon Files, Rings, Doughnuts Drivetimes, or by using Standard Geographies. The Profile Comparison Report takes two Profile inputs and generates a comparison report. The Profile Detail Report takes an incoming Profile input and generates a report that examines the presence of Cluster Types within that profile. The Profile Rank Report takes two Profile inputs (a Geography and a Product profile) and generates a rank report. Tool Overview 27

29 The Read Behavior Profile Set tool allows you to select a specific type of dataset known as a Profile Set to use as an input in your module. Profile Sets are composed of Profiles. A Profile is an object, whether it be a geography, a customer database, or a product within a syndicated product file that has been assigned segmentation codes. Segmentation codes are assigned based on the Block Group assignment of the object. The Write behavior Profile Set tool takes an incoming data stream containing a Profile or collection of Profiles and writes out a Profile Set *.scd file. Laboratory The Tool Container allows the user to organize tools in a module. Tools can be placed inside the container to isolate a process. The container can be displayed in an expanded or collapsed manner and can also be disabled. 28 Tool Overview

30 Renaming Tools Renaming Tools: Change tool names as they are being used. Re-naming is useful when a tool is used many times throughout the course of your module. Renaming your tools is especially important when building Wizards and Macros where the tool will be updated with an Action and the tool to update has to be selected from a list that shows all the tools used in the module. Before Renaming: After Renaming: Annotating Tools: Add an annotation to the tool and this will appear as a label for the tool in the module area. This label moves with the tool. Getting Started Module Design 29

31 Set Record Limits for the Inputs When developing your module, there is no need to bring in all your data during testing. Use the Record Limit option in the Properties for the Input to bring enough records for testing. Document Your Module With Text Comments This Alteryx tool allows you to add annotation to the project workspace; it can also be used as a background for your tools, you could color code it to group tools that belong to the same process. Documenting your module it is not only useful when sharing it with others but also to remember what the module is supposed to do or why a specific tool was added. Check our sample modules in Alteryx for ideas on how to document your modules. Go to Alteryx > File > Open Sample. 30 Getting Started Module Design

32 Tool Containers The Tool Container allows the user to organize tools in a module; it can be collapsed to give your module an uncluttered look. Tools can be placed inside the container to isolate a process. Disabling the tool container will make the container collapse; the tools within the container won t be executed. This is especially handy when working with Analytic Apps and Macros, as you could update the checkbox with an Action based on the end-user s input. Getting Started Module Design 31

33 Finding a Tool in Your Module The Find Tool feature makes it easy to find tools within your modules; it can also be used to find text within the tools. Through the Tool Bar Menu: Edit > Find Tool or Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + F or In the Module canvas, right click on an empty portion of the module canvas. Click on Find Tool This will open a new dialogue box with all the tools in the module sorted by tool number. Clicking the Sort by Name link will reorder the tools alphabetically. When a tool is chosen in the dialogue box, the tool is automatically selected and the properties window for that tool is opened. When the list is sorted by name, the link changes to Sort by #. Type any text you want to find in the Find Text box, this will search for that text within all tools in the module. 32 Getting Started Module Design

34 Module Packager (.yxwz file) Sharing your module has never been easier. Package your module and its dependencies with the Export Package option which can be found in the menu bar under File, this will create an yxwz file. Best practices when packaging modules: 1. Before exporting the package, make all your file paths relative. Go to Edit > Module Dependencies > Click on All Relative, since all the associated files are saved in the same folder when imported, the module will find them. 2. To package a module, go to File > Export Package, the name by default is the module name; this and the folder to save it can be changed here. To Import a package go to File > Import Package, select where to save import it, a list of files included in the package are listed. Export Module Package Import Module Package Getting Started Module Design 33

35 3. If you would like to send a sample of your data, use the Record Limit option when exporting, this will limit all your Inputs within your module. 4. All the Input files will be converted to yxdb, if you don t wish that to happen, deselect the file from the Local files list and add the file from Options > Add File. 34 Getting Started Module Design

36 Resource Optimization Settings Alteryx is designed to use all of the resources it possibly can. In order to make Alteryx run as fast as possible, it tries to balance the use of as much CPU, memory, and disk I/O as possible. The good news is that most of the resource utilization can be controlled. You can limit the amount of memory that is used on a system, user, or module level. The Sort/Join memory setting is not a maximum memory usage setting; it s more like a minimum. One part of Alteryx (sorts) that benefits from having a big chunk of memory will take that entire amount right from the start. It will be split between all the sorts in your module, but other tools will still use memory outside that sort/join block. Some of them (e.g. drive times with a long maximum time) can use a lot. If a sorting can be done entirely in memory, it will go faster than if we have to fall back to temp files, so that s why it s good to set this higher. But if the total memory usage on the system pushes it into virtual memory, you ll be swapping data to disk in a much less optimal way, and performance will be much worse and that s why setting it too high is a bigger concern. The Default Dedicated Sort/Join Memory Usage can be found at Alteryx > File > Tools > System Settings Getting Started Module Optimization 35

37 Best Practices 1. Memory Settings 32-bit machines: Setting should be on the lower, conservative side. No matter how much actual RAM is there, only has at maximum 1 GB available, as soon as it is set higher, the machine will cross over into virtual memory and be unable to recover. A 32-bit machine should never have a setting over 1000MB, and 512 is a good setting. Set it low (128 MB), especially when using Adobe products simultaneously with Alteryx. 64-bit machines: Set this in the system settings to half your physical memory divided by the number of simultaneous processes you expect to run. If you have 8 GB of RAM and run 2 processes at a time, your Sort/Join memory should be set to 2GB. You might set it lower if you expect to be doing a lot of memory intensive stuff on the machine besides Alteryx. 2. Set your Dedicated Sort/Join Memory Usage lower or higher on a per-module basis depending on the use of your computer, doing memory intensive non-sort work (i.e. large drive-times) then lower it, doing memory intensive sortwork then higher. 3. Run Alteryx at a lower priority: This will ensure that the Alteryx Engine runs at a lower priority than all the other applications running on the same machine. By doing so, even the Alteryx GUI will remain responsive when you are running a large module in the background. This is an especially good idea for a shared server. 4. Shared Servers: For a shared server, the system owner/it person should set the memory to no more than (total memory-2g)/(number of Users). This way if all the users are running modules at the same time the system won t go into virtual memory, which really slows things down. 5. Web Servers: When running Alteryx on a web server, you really want to set the memory to the minimum possible without impacting the performance too much. I would recommend trying a system memory setting of 64MB and then increasing the memory on a per module basis as needed. It is important to note that the user setting for memory usually has no impact since the web service typically runs as a separate system user. Make sure to use the system settings Getting Started Module Optimization

38 6. Background Processing: Any time you are planning to run a module in the background while you are going to continue doing other work, it is a good idea to run it with less memory. 7. It is also a good idea to have the temporary directory point to a separate physical hard drive from your boot drive. If your temp drive points to C:\temp and you run a module that consumes hundreds of GB of temp space (it happens), your system may become unstable. Tools That Sort Tools that use Sorts: Cross Tab Dynamic Input Join Multi Row Formula Running Total Sample Tile Unique Allocate Report Chart Layout Render Table Behavior Create Profile Buffer Find Nearest Generalize Poly Build Smooth Spatial Match Summarize Charting Join Multiple Sort Calgary Loader Make Group Fuzzy Match Tools use Temp Files and/or Internal Sorts: Spatial Process Block Until Done Auto Field Distance (Guzzler Only) Trade Area (Guzzler Only or Non- Overlapping) Run Command (Temp files only) Use Temp Files and/ or Internal Sorts at the Process level: Location Optimizers Batch Macros (for secondary inputs) Iterative Macros (for secondary inputs) Getting Started Module Optimization 37

39 Select Tool Optimize by reducing fields A best practice to optimize the performance of your modules is to remove data that won t be needed for downstream processing as quickly as possible, remember that the deselected data can be added before the output if that data is needed in the final product. The Select tool removes fields or columns from your data. Filter Tool Optimize by reducing records Another best practice to optimize the performance by removing records or rows of data that won t be needed for downstream processing, this can be accomplished by the Filter tool. Also, keep your module positive where the selected data for processing comes out of the True side of the Filter tool. 38 Getting Started Module Optimization

40 Auto Field Tool Optimize by assigning optimal data types A good way to optimize your module is by assigning your fields the most optimal data type. The Auto Field tool examines all your records, and automatically optimizes the field type, and length for your data, as of result, your module will be lighter and more efficient. Taking the CSVGeocode_example.csv sample file, the difference in size after using the Auto Field tool to assign the most optimal data type and length is substantial. Connection Progress View The Connection progress is a great way to keep track of the number of records and the size of the data going from one tool to another, in addition to that, the connection itself thickness varies depending on the size of data passing through, great for troubleshooting. The default setting for the Connection Progress is Show Only When Running (Properties for the Module > Module Tab > Cosmetic). Getting Started Module Optimization 39

41 Disable Browse Tools The Browse tools are a window to your data and allows you to see what data is coming out from a specific tool, what you see in the Browse tool is saved on a temporary YXDB file which takes space. Once your module is ready for prime time, disable the Browse tools, this will increase the speed of your module and won t take up space from your temp directory. Utilize All Your Processors To take advantage of those Alteryx tools that are multi-threaded such as Sorting, Guzzler and MakeGrids tools, make sure you have all your processors selected. From the Task Manager, right click on Alteryx in the Processes tab and click Choose Affinity and select the CPUs. 40 Getting Started Module Optimization

42 Getting past Schema/# of Fields Issues on Wildcard (*) Inputs When using the wildcard input, you may notice a warning message saying that some of the documents weren t loaded because the schema didn t match that of the first documents read in. To get around this you can create a simple batch macro consisting of two tools, the Input tool and the Output tool. 1. Bring an Input tool and an Output tool into the module; point the Input tool to the first file in the folder you are accessing: 2. Click on the canvas to bring up the Properties Configuration view, and select the Batch Macro option: Input and Output 41

43 A Batch Macro tab will appear. Go to this tab and choose Auto Configure by Name. Next click on Add to get the Edit Control Parameter popup and enter any name, then click OK (this macro will be looking for a file path): 3. Next, go to the Actions tab and click on Add, then select Update/Change Value: 42 Input and Output

44 This will bring up the below view. I would recommend adding a reference name (highlighted). Expand the tree next to the Input and click on the file path, which will add it below. Now check the box for Replace a specific string and hit OK: Input and Output 43

45 4. Next go to the Macro tab and add a check next to the Output, this will add a downstream arrow to the macro. Now save the macro. The configuration of the macro will look like below, the control parameter that was set will show. This is where you can select a file path for the batch macro to open. 44 Input and Output

46 For example purposes, the sample data will be used. If the wildcard input was attempted on the yxdb files in the Sample folder, only the first file will open with 11 records, the other 40 will be skipped with the schema warning message. Now to test the batch macro that was just created. Bring a Directory tool into a new module and point it to the Sample folder (For version 8.1, folder is located at C:\ Program Files\Alteryx\ Samples\SampleData). Next you can right click on the canvas and choose the Insert > Macro option: Input and Output 45

47 Point to the location where the macro was saved and bring it into the module under the Directory tool. Once connected, you can now select the FullPath column. Add a Browse tool and run the module. Once run, the Browse will now show over 289K records. Since the macro matches on field name, any of the data with the same name will show in the same column, all other will be added to the right. The sample data doesn t match up to great, but this is a great technique to use if a large number of files need to be inputted but they don t line up perfectly in respect to column structure. 46 Input and Output

48 Quick Access to Previously Saved Data When a module completes and data is saved out through the Output tool, that data will now show in the Input s recent files area: Outputting to an Excel Template It is possible to output your data to an existing Excel document that already has modified formats and column names. For example, the below Excel file has existing data in the first 4 rows. If you wanted to add addresses to this file while keeping the first 4 rows, the first step would be to highlight the area you want to write to. If you don t know the exact length/width of your data, I would recommend going large: Input and Output 47

49 Once you have your desired area highlighted, right-click and choose the Define Name option: A popup box will appear, enter in a name of your choosing and click OK: You also need to make sure that the sheet you are saving to doesn t contain any spaces in the sheet name. Once verified, save the template and close out: 48 Input and Output

50 Here is an example of the sample data that will be added to the above template: In Alteryx, use an Input tool to point to the data you would like to use to update the template file: In the Output, you will want to choose the template file, which will cause the below message to appear, choose yes to overwrite: When saving to Excel, the below window will popup, enter the name you used for the range you highlighted in the template file: Input and Output 49

51 After clicking OK, the Output configuration area will populate. Change the Output Options to Delete Data & Append: You can now run the module. Once the module is finished, you can open the updated template file, you should see your previously formatted rows/ columns plus the new data you wanted to append: If you set a format to the range you named (color, text style, bold, etc), Excel will keep it so that the data you are writing to the file will appear with the specified format. 50 Input and Output

52 The Render Tool Can Create Folders When using the Render tool to output data, the folders don t necessarily have to exist before running the module. Type in the name of the folders you would like to create like in the window below (non-existing folder are highlighted): Run the module and the Render tool will create the required folder(s) and save the output as directed: Input and Output 51

53 The Browse Tool Is An Output Too The Browse Tool is great to view data just run in a module. It also has the capability to output the data with the same options of the Output tool. You can output all records or only selected records. The File Browse options allows for all hard copy output (PDF, PowerPoint, xlsx, etc). There is also the option to save directly to databases. 52 Input and Output

54 What is a Data Artisan? A Data Artisan is a user who creates analytic applications using the Alteryx Designer Desktop and then shares them publicly and/or privately in the Analytics Gallery. A Data Artisan also shares the privileges of a Member. What is a Member? A Member is a user who can run applications that are shared privately through Collections. A Membership is granted by a Data Artisan. A Member also shares the privileges of a Viewer to run all applications published in the Public Gallery. Is it possible to share the same studio as my colleague? Each login can only have one studio, but it is possible to have a studio that all members share. For example, if user #1 uploads an app to the shared studio, all the other members of the shared studio are able to view and run that app. To add a Data Artisan to the studio, send an to clientservices@alteryx.com and identify which studio will be used as the master and which Data Artisan should be added to it. If you are a Data Artisan and want to add members to your studio, click on the Studio Settings link (directly under the Studio name) to bring up the below view. Type in the address of people you would like to invite to your studio. Analytics Gallery 53

55 I want to share specific apps, is this possible? This is possible and very easy to do; the only requirement (besides having a login) is that you are a Data Artisan on a studio. Sign in to the Gallery and expand the Collections area, then click on New Collections: Once you name the collection, all you need to do in click and drag the apps you would like to add to the folder. Once the app is added to the new collection, click on the collection to bring it up into view: 54 Analytics Gallery

56 The Collection contains two tabs, Apps and Users. Click on the Users tab, here you can add the address of those who you would like to view the collection: If they have a Gallery account, it will pop up and you can select it. If they don t have an account, they still get a notification stating you shared the collection with a link to the homepage where they can create a login (depending on the number of seats left in Studio). Analytics Gallery 55

57 Adding a Description to Your App/Changing the Icon Adding a description to your app is a great way of giving an overview of what your app will accomplish and this can be added during the creation of your app before publishing to the Gallery. Clicking on the canvas of the module will bring up the Properties Configuration window. The last tab is called Meta Info and it is here where you can add in the description. You also have the option of changing the app name (the default name is the name you saved the app as). Also, the Author information will show in the Gallery when the app is selected: There is also the option to change the icon of your app once it s loaded to the Gallery. To do this simply click on the app name to bring up the detail screen, click on the change icon link and point to an image file to load: 56 Analytics Gallery

58 Using.pcxml in Your Output Gives the User Options Before uploading the app to the Gallery, if you change the Output of the app to a.pcxml extension, it will show a preview of the results (highlighted) when the app completes as well as gives the user multiple format options to save out the data (pdf, docx, xlsx, or html): Analytics Gallery 57

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60 Tips & Tricks for Alteryx Scheduler 1. While making changes in System Settings, clicking on the Apply button will restart the service. There is no need to open Windows Services to restart the service. 2. If you need to run Alteryx or the Scheduler as an Administrator, you can set this automatically by right-clicking on the desktop icon and choosing Properties. Select the Compatibilities tab and check Run this program as an administrator. 3. You can choose to cancel a job if it has timed out. You can turn on and adjust this setting in Tools>System Settings under the Worker settings. 4. If using custom macros in your module, be sure to package the module with the macros and schedule the packaged file. 5. When using an alias, make sure you set up a System alias and not a User alias. The Scheduler service does not run under the Windows User Account. 6. If you are using Distributive Scheduling, communication happens over TCP so you will need to have port 80 open. 7. When scheduling a module, anytime you are making selections with a checkbox, holding down the CTRL button will Select/Deselect all checkboxes. 8. A module can be run through the Scheduler using the command line. For example, the Curious 9-Ball module is located on the C:\ drive: 9. C:\Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\AlteryxGui /ScheduleRunNow C:\curious9ball. yxzp Scheduler 59

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62 Getting Connected in a BIG Way Alteryx Input and Output tools handle three types of database connections, OLE DB, ODBC and Oracle Spatial. Here are few tips to follow when connecting to databases. Database Connection Database Type 1. For Oracle Spatial Databases: OCI connection is definitely fastest. It talks directly to Oracle, whereas ODBC and OLEDB are another layer between you and the database. For SQL Databases: OleDB is the fastest connection. Selecting Driver 2. Most of the issues are due to selecting the wrong driver, it is best to use the native client driver provided by the database company, also make sure you are selecting the version that matches your database. Getting Connected in a BIG Way 61

63 3. Allow saving password for Oledb connection: When setting up a Oledb connection, check the Allow saving password box. This way the session will store the password and won t discard it once the test is successful. Module Speed To improve module Speed when: Reading-in 4. In the Input tool, use the SQL editor/visual Query Builder to limit fields coming in 5. Do not show % Complete: When checked, Alteryx will not try to report the status of reading in the file, thus speeding up the read time. 6. Stop Loading the Metadata when not needed. When connecting to your database with the Input tool, click on the Cancel button and the load of the metadata will stop, this is a time saver if there are too many tables, the Tables and Visual Query Builder tabs won t load, you will have the SQL Editor tab to write your SQL there if needed. 62 Getting Connected in a BIG Way

64 Outputting 7. Commit as you go: It is possible to commit a number of records at a time, i.e. to 1,000 records at a time; the only drawback to this is you can only rollback the last 1000 transactions. 8. Problems with connections timing out: add a Block Until Done tool (in the developer section of the toolbox) after your Input tool and before the Output tool. This also increases the overall speed of the module. 9. Teradata Bulk Loader: Found in the Input / Output section of the ToolBox, increases the speed when loading records to Teradata. User needs to have the Teradata Tools and Utilities installed (preferably v14), at minimum: Shared ICU Libraries ODBC Driver for Teradata Teradata GSS Client Teradata Parallel Transporter Base Teradata Parallel Transporter Stream Ideally, running Alteryx 64-bit (using 64-bit ODBC driver) Module Maintenance 10. Create Aliases for your databases as this makes it easier to maintain when there are changes in the connection, such as password updates. Other Tips 11. Geometry Type not coming across: Use the Spatial OLEDB Connection or a Spatial ODBC Connection, the Geometry type should come out correctly Getting Connected in a BIG Way 63

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66 Tips & Tricks for Fuzzy Matching If you are new to Fuzzy Matching, the most important thing you can do is work through the Fuzzy Match Merge sample module included with Alteryx. This module and supporting macros can be opened by going to File>Open Sample>Data Artistry>Fuzzy Match Merge. Preparing data for the Fuzzy Match Tool 1. Prep your data in one module then Fuzzy Match in another. Since fuzzy matching can require you to run your module many times, it is prudent to prep your data and save it out to a.yxdb file. Saving your data out to.yxdb files, will allow you to use the.yxdb files as an Input to your fuzzy matching module. Alteryx can read a.yxdb file faster than other file types, so this is a great place to start with optimization. 2. Any fields that you will be Fuzzy Matching on that relate to address information should be run through the CASS tool in order to standardize the record values. The original address fields should be deselected from the data stream via a Select tool so as to prevent confusion and to minimize processing time. 3. Use the Auto Field tool, which allows Alteryx to select the most appropriate field type and length for every field in your dataset. Depending upon your input data, this can provide shocking improvements in speed. 4. If doing a Merge Fuzzy Match, your files will require both a Record ID field, and a Source field. The Fuzzy Match tool outputs Record ID and Match Score, so it is helpful to generate IDs that make it easy to identify the source of each record by only looking at the Record ID field. For example, if your Master file has IDs ranging from 1 to 1 million, then generate IDs for your merging file starting at 5 million. 5. Do not bring fields into your Fuzzy Match module that you do not need. Use a Select tool to remove them. 6. When merging two data files (Merge Fuzzy Match process), use a Join tool to remove any exact matches from the fuzzy match process. Along the same line of thought, you can use the Unique tool to remove any exact matches before entering a Purge Fuzzy Match process. 7. If the records you are merging with a Master file are regional, use a Join tool to eliminate records from the Master file that are outside of that region. Accomplish this by using a Unique tool on the Zip field in the smaller merging file and Joining it to the Zip field of the Master file. This makes your universe smaller and will speed up the process. Fuzzy Matching 65

67 Applying the Fuzzy Match Tool 1. In a Merge Fuzzy Match, usually the left side of the match is the Master file (for example, the Experian Household file). The right side is the customer file, or the file we are trying to match to the Master file. Given this setup, in each of the different passes of the fuzzy match we do not send records that have a match from the left into the next pass if they have matched. 2. The logic of the Fuzzy Match tool is that one or more Match Fields will be considered to be the strong thing or the thing we are most confident about. The other Match Fields will be the ones we are going to isolate via fuzzy logic in order to find a match. An example would be using Address and ZIP for the strong Match Fields and First and Last name as the fuzzy match piece. 3. Match Thresholds and Weights: a. For the matching process occurring within the entire scope of a Fuzzy Match tool we define the Total Match Threshold (the final score). b. For each field we are processing in the Fuzzy Match tool, we can declare a match threshold and a match weight for that field. c. Whether it occurs at the field-level or Fuzzy Match tool-level, the match threshold is a strict cut off value. Matches that generate a match value greater than your match threshold are accepted as matches, those that fall below, are dropped as match candidates. d. The match weight of a particular field, allows you to apply a relative importance to the various fields that you are matching upon. If you have 3 fields, where the match weight for each is A=100, B=100, C=75, then you are telling Alteryx that field C should have a lesser contribution to the determination of whether or not a match is made. 4. Do not choose to Generate Keys when using Common Nicknames as a Match Function. Generating Keys will phonetically groups the records for matching and will render the Nickname database useless. 66 Fuzzy Matching

68 Working with the results of the Fuzzy Match Tool 1. After passing your data through the Fuzzy Match tool, join back to your original data to compare the matches. You can Sort by match score, to see if you need to adjust your match thresholds higher or lower depending on the presence of falsepositive matches, or the absence of false-negative matches. As Fuzzy Matching is inherently fuzzy, it is quite common, and in fact necessary to run your module many times with different parameters. As a general rule, the more consideration you place on developing a thorough fuzzy matching module, the greater the value of your output. 2. Depending on whether you are DeDuping, Merging, or both, try to minimize your cross checking and extraneous Browse tools into the data when they are no longer necessary. By all means, cross-checking your data is the most important process in fuzzy matching, but for large modules, it is often helpful to remove tools that are no longer necessary. Fuzzy Matching 67

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70 Copy and Paste for Map Tool Unique Value Theme Settings If you are doing a unique value theme on your map layers in the Map tool, rather than listing them out one by one, you can use the Summarize tool to generate the list. Next to your Map tool, add a Summarize tool and a Browse tool under it, bring the data that is being themed into the Summarize tool. Group By the column that is being used to theme from and run the module. The theme list will be in the Browse tool now, simply select all the records and paste them into the Map tool unique value theme window. Using Legend Splitter/Builder to Modify the Legend The Legend Splitter and Legend Builder tools allow for additional modifications of the Legend from the Map tool as long as the Position of the Legend is Separate Field. The Legend Splitter takes the legend and breaks it down into several columns: Now that the data is broken up into columns and text, you can use other tools to modify the data. For this example, the focus will be on the Text column. In this scenario, the user want to eliminate the Above and Below entries because all of the data falls between 100 and 500: Reporting 69

71 After the Legend Splitter, a Filter can now be used to remove the Above and Below rows from the legend. Once filtered out, bring in the Legend Builder tool to re-create the Legend image with the modified data. If done correctly, the legend should appear like this: The Overlay Tool Isn t Just For Legends The Overlay tool is great for placing the Map Legend within the map, but it can also be used on other data as well. In the image below, a table has been added to the map showing the count breakdown of the legend. This can be very useful! 70 Reporting

72 Analytic App Values (.yxwv files) When developing an Analytic App you will be testing it multiple times, saving the values you enter/select allows you to quickly populate the App which is a real time saver; these values are saved as an yxwv file. When testing or executing your App, make all of your value selections and click the Save button to create your.yxwv file. To use the values saved on an yxwv, click on the Open button to select your.yxwv file and this will populate the App with those saved values. Chained Apps Pick up a file from TEMP When creating chained Apps, have you ever wanted the second wizard to use the file the first wizard created? This is possible thanks to the %TEMP%. In this example, the first App creates a file that will be used as the list for a Drop Down/ List Box Question in the second App. In the App #1, configure your Output tool as: In the App #2, Browse to the recently created file like this: See this sample at Alteryx. Go to File > Open Sample > Analytic Apps > Chained Apps 1 and Chained Apps 2 Analytic Apps and Macros 71

73 Analytic App Update an IN Clause from Tree Selection Updating an Alteryx tool s IN Clause with a value from a Tree question adds a challenge as the values pass through without quotes and with an added return character. For this example we want to update the IN Clause in the Filter tool: When updating the Expression with the values as they are being passed, the updated expression would look like this. 72 Analytic Apps and Macros

74 The solution is to update the IN expression using the Formula mode and write the IN Clause to fit the expected format. Enter the following: ID IN ( + REPLACE([Make Selection],,, ) + ) Analytic App Best Practices Keep it Positive. Is there Double negative confusion going on in your module? Take the guessing out of the equation. Make the actions for when the button is clicked or the box is checked or the field is filled out, instead of when is NOT clicked nor checked nor filled out. Be mindful of your design. Grouping tabs and questions logically will help both the developer and user. Be mindful of your actions. If you change the configuration of a tool in your module that has an Action being associated with it, you will have to re-configure the action. Update the right tool and use the right question. Make sure the action is updating using the correct question. Analytic Apps and Macros 73

75 Macro Connection Abbreviations Use the Macro Input and Output Abbreviations in addition to the image settings to ease the identification and use of your Macros. To set the abbreviations, go to Properties for the Macro > Macro tab > Macro Outputs 74 Analytic Apps and Macros

76 Shortcuts Through the Tools XML Alteryx Point-and-Click user interface allows data artisans to build analytics without coding; however, it can be useful to know that there is a XML view and edit options for the Alteryx tools. For instance, for the Formula tool, we have this as the User Interface: And this is the XML view. (To activate the XML view, go to Tools > User Settings > Edit User Settings > Advanced > Display XML in Properties Window) Say, we have few more formulas to add, some prefer the point and click through the User Interface while others would prefer the copy and paste in the XML Editor. Other Tips & Tricks 75

77 Database Defaults A Time Saver Save time by setting your database defaults to those datasets you use the most, that way, you would skip that step every time you build a new module. Go to Tools > User Settings > Edit User Settings > Database Defaults tab TIP: Select the Most Recent Vintage for any dataset and Alteryx will automatically use the latest version. Leverage Switch Statements Another time saver, this function would make an easy and fast to write statement than multiples IF THEN ELSE ENDIF. Switch Function: Compares a Value against a list of Cases and return the corresponding Result. Switch(Value,Default,Case1,Result1,...,CaseN,ResultN) An example to illustrate: Input: Switch Statement: Switch([Field1], No Snack, A, Apple, B, Banana, C, Citrus, D, Dates ) Instead of: IF [Field1] == A THEN Apple ELSEIF [Field1] == B THEN Banana ELSEIF [Field1] == C THEN Citrus ELSEIF [Field1]== D THEN Dates ELSE No Snack ENDIF Output: 76 Other Tips & Tricks