Alteryx is an ETL(Extract-Transform-Load) that helps companies prepare, transform and analyze their data quickly and intuitively. With its simple visual interface, Alteryx enables business teams to develop analyses, render and process data without the need for coding(no code).
It covers the following topics in particular:
- Statistical analysis
- Marketing analysis using geospatial data
- Predictive analysis (Data Science)
- Reporting
- File extraction with automatic e-mailing
In other words, Alteryx facilitates access to data while reducing the costs associated with managing it.
In this article, we present two complementary solutions: Alteryx Designer and Alteryx Server. On the one hand, Designer enables users to create, automate and visualize workflows. On the other, Server provides a platform for deploying, managing and sharing these workflows.
Alteryx Designer
It's an easy-to-use, intuitivedrag-and-drop application. It is available in several languages: English, French, German, etc. It enables users to create an interface that allows for the creation of automatic processes, known as Workflows:
- Data source integration: Oracle, SQL Server, Hadoop, Olap, Files (Excel, CSV, etc.)
- Preparation and cleaning for better data quality
- Statistical/predictive analysis using R or Python and Machine Learning via Intelligence Suite
- Reporting
- Macro / Application
The user will have at his disposal a palette of tools enabling him to drag and drop on a sheet (called Canvas) and to create output tables, reports or even applications. Each tool can be configured using the control panel:
Overview of some tool palettes :
Input/Output: to add data via connections to sources, raw files or to output data, exporting them in various formats: Excel, CSV, etc. This palette of tools enables data exploration, with profiling functionality for deeper insight into the data.
Preparation: to select, filter, clean, sample or even create formulas.
Join: to assemble one or more data streams using single, multiple or union joins, etc.
Transform: to synthesize, aggregate or reorganize data: transpose, pivot tables.
Report generation: to create static reports containing text, graphics, images, maps and tables.
Interface: for creating applications and macros.
Predictive: to apply statistical models.
For further information: Alteryx Designer - Alteryx
Alteryx Server
Alteryx Server lets you deploy completed workflows on Alteryx Designer. The server enables workflows to be shared, published, programmed and monitored in a secure environment. It also enables other users to launch workflows in total autonomy (e.g. applications).
Further information : Alteryx Server - Alteryx
Case studies
Automate Excel file updates
The accounting team currently has an Excel file containing several sheets with pivot tables. As a result, updating this file can take days or even weeks. However, the Alteryx tool offers an effective solution for automating this process. With Alteryx, you can create a workflow that automates the updating of these tables. This workflow can then be published in Alteryx Server, enabling users to run the process autonomously. In this way, business teams can save time, concentrate on data analysis and make decisions more quickly.
Using Alteryx in the banking sector
One of our consultants recently used this tool with a customer in the banking sector. Thanks to Alteryx, he was able to integrate new tables, automate several processes and carry out financial analyses. The customer also expressed great satisfaction with the efficiency and responsiveness of the tool, which perfectly met his various needs. Alteryx saves a considerable amount of time, thanks in particular to its ease of use and ergonomic interface.
Conclusion
Alteryx stands out as an indispensable tool for companies seeking to maximize the efficiency of their analytical processes and facilitate access to data. Indeed, this tool enables teams to improve their speed of execution and increase their autonomy by automating manual tasks.
What's more, 5D offers training to prepare your teams for Alteryx certification.
Do you need an audit, advice or specific support? Our experts are ready to meet your every challenge!
Gilles FAKHRAN
Data Analyst Consultant
