Workflow automation means using software to execute jobs without human involvement. It is a tool that is commonly used in business that speeds up processes and minimizes the need for manual work and activities that are repetitive. We can automate workflows in Alteryx by utilizing Batch Macros and Scheduling.
Batch macros
Batch processing refers to a technique computers employ to establish high-volume, repetitive data jobs periodically – when compute resources are generally under demand. We can implement batch processing in Alteryx using Batch macro.A Batch macro is a process that runs multiple times in a workflow and produces output after each run. A macro runs once for each record (or selected group of records) in the data, and inputs can either be defined for all workflows or only to certain runs. The actual creation of a Batch macro is straightforward. You will go to the Workflow Configuration tab, select "Workflow" from the headings and, you will see a "Type" sub-heading under the Workflow heading, from there you will switch the selection to Macro and select the "Batch Macro" from the dropdown menu.
When the workflow is saved as a Batch macro, each tool in the workflow will have its own lightning bolt anchor, and only interface tools will be able to connect to them.Scheduling workflowsIt is also possible to schedule workflows, apps, or packages in Alteryx. Take note: scheduling is the action of allocating resources to perform a task automatically at a pre-defined frequency, date, and time.Users can determine where they would like to run their scheduled workflows, which is usually set up by the company. There are two options:
Alteryx Server: Schedule to your company's Server or a controller.
Designer plus Desktop Automation (Scheduler): Schedule to your machine.
Scheduling a workflow in Alteryx is relatively simple. You will simply open the workflow that you want to schedule, and click the “Add Workflow to Schedule” icon that is located next to the “Run” icon at the top of the canvas.
Another way to schedule a workflow is to go to “Options” and select “Schedule Workflow.”
Batch macros
Batch processing refers to a technique computers employ to establish high-volume, repetitive data jobs periodically – when compute resources are generally under demand. We can implement batch processing in Alteryx using Batch macro.A Batch macro is a process that runs multiple times in a workflow and produces output after each run. A macro runs once for each record (or selected group of records) in the data, and inputs can either be defined for all workflows or only to certain runs. The actual creation of a Batch macro is straightforward. You will go to the Workflow Configuration tab, select "Workflow" from the headings and, you will see a "Type" sub-heading under the Workflow heading, from there you will switch the selection to Macro and select the "Batch Macro" from the dropdown menu.
When the workflow is saved as a Batch macro, each tool in the workflow will have its own lightning bolt anchor, and only interface tools will be able to connect to them.Scheduling workflowsIt is also possible to schedule workflows, apps, or packages in Alteryx. Take note: scheduling is the action of allocating resources to perform a task automatically at a pre-defined frequency, date, and time.Users can determine where they would like to run their scheduled workflows, which is usually set up by the company. There are two options:
Alteryx Server: Schedule to your company's Server or a controller.
Designer plus Desktop Automation (Scheduler): Schedule to your machine.
Scheduling a workflow in Alteryx is relatively simple. You will simply open the workflow that you want to schedule, and click the “Add Workflow to Schedule” icon that is located next to the “Run” icon at the top of the canvas.
Another way to schedule a workflow is to go to “Options” and select “Schedule Workflow.”