Alteryx Reviews

I am into tax automation. My clients have their data sets in different ERPs, such as Oracle and SAP. I design workflows in Alteryx to pull data from different sources, transform it into a nice layout, and perform data validations. We have 30+ tax registrations in other countries. This is important because tax data must comply with regulations in different countries. 

I also develop pre-agreed adjustments to the client's data and push the data sets into another system through APIs and SAPPs. From there, I can produce the tax returns and valuation outputs, which I present to the clients in a dashboard.

Alteryx is a low-code platform, and that's the biggest reason why we chose it. It can also manage a lot of datasets, and everything happens in fractions of seconds. 

Tax returns usually take a day or two for a human to prepare because they involve a lot of data and a lot of checks. But with Alteryx, everything is very fast. It's also easy to develop and deploy solutions on Alteryx.

We used to hire people to just prepare tax returns, and they would work on them for hours. But now everything is happening using Alteryx, so our employees can focus more on the consulting side of tax.

I don't see a huge downside. Because if there is a strong leader with some good architecture knowledge, they should be able to cut down most of the downsides.  

However, there are a few limitations. For example, if you just leave the workflows to the developer, they may not properly document or organize the workflows. And then, if they're not organized, it's very difficult for another person to pick them up.

Another downside is that two professionals can't work on one workflow at the same time. Let's say I have a huge workflow, and someone needs to support it. All I can do is virtually connect and share my screen, or I have to be with them together to look at the workflow and make updates.

So the downsides are very few. But if you're more organized and have a dedicated architecture for your own solution, that will reduce a lot of downsides.

But there are a few minor problems. For example, we can't browse multiple files. When we deploy a solution on a gallery, let's say I have ten different files, and I have to upload them all at once. This is something that's difficult in the gallery. So case by case, I see some downsides, but often we do something alternative.

And then, recently, I came across one biggest downside. There's something called the Download Tool, which is used to push datasets over an API. If you have API credentials, you can configure them in this Download Tool. But I noticed that this Download Tool has a limited capacity. That means it can only push, like, X amount of values or X amount of strings, but it cannot push a huge amount of dataset. For that, I have to deal with the Python port again. So, that's a bigger downside, which I recently came across.

In future releases, I would like to see Alteryx improve the connectors. Since Alteryx is a low-code platform and even our developers might not have extensive coding knowledge. If there's a possibility to enhance the connectors, it would be truly valuable. By connectors, I mean that I have come across some instances where these connectors incorporate a sort of programming language that could augment Alteryx's capabilities. This way, we could utilize these connectors instead of having to create a separate solution. For instance, if I intend to extract or transmit data from SFTP to Alteryx, it would be beneficial to have a pre-developed connector accessible within the community. 

Take the Power BI connector, for example. It's important for this connector to be consistently maintained. I'm aware that these types of connectors are already accessible within the community, but there are instances when they function as intended and times when they do not. Would it be possible to have a centralized repository where these connectors are regularly updated to align with the most recent versions? This would indeed be highly advantageous. I understand that it entails a significant amount of maintenance work. 

Nonetheless, given that Alteryx operates as a low-code platform and we frequently encounter a variety of challenges, we aim to minimize the need to engage additional resources such as Python or Java developers. Relying on such external dependencies can introduce complexities. Therefore, if Alteryx could introduce more connectors of this nature, it would be a substantial improvement.

APIs and connectors play a pivotal role. In particular, we have numerous scenarios where I had to leverage APIs and SSEPs.

We have been using Alteryx for more than three years. I also have experience developing end-to-end solutions using Alteryx.

We don't use the latest version because the latest version has a lot of updates and release notes, especially for updating the server and the logic in the containers. Moreover, the problem is, we have to sync the Designer version with what is on our gallery site. So once our gallery is updated, then we will update our license.

The solution is usually stable. All the tools work as expected, and we haven't faced any major problems. If you have a developer with good domain knowledge and some technical knowledge, then there shouldn't be any issues.

In terms of scalability, Alteryx is good, especially within our domain, where tax data is generally not excessive. It can handle a large number of transactions and data sets.

Although there are instances of large datasets, we have yet to encounter any issues with scalability. So, at least within our domain, scalability doesn't pose a concern.

Currently, there are 15 users who are continuously using Alteryx. We also have 3-4 developers, and I lead the tech team in our organization.

The customer service and support are good. I've found that if I post a question on the Alteryx Community, I usually get a response within a day. I've only had one issue with the "Download Tool," but other than that, I've been very happy with the support.

Positive

KNIME is one of the tools I'm familiar with. It's an open-source tool, you know. However, the distinction I observe between Alteryx and KNIME is that Alteryx is like to an iPhone, providing a more secure and protected environment. This is unlike KNIME, which can be compared to an Android. This differentiation is why I advocated for my team and organization to adopt Alteryx over KNIME, irrespective of cost savings or other considerations.

Alteryx is indeed more secure than KNIME. KNIME, on the other hand, is essentially an open solution.

So, when it comes to ETL tools, Alteryx stands out as a more secure solution compared to others.

The initial setup is easy.

Moreover, deploying the solution on a gallery typically takes around five to ten minutes, perhaps even just five minutes. Most of this time is used to ensure that your dependencies are correctly saved in the designated path. That's the only check we need to perform. Otherwise, it's more or less straightforward.

It is deployed on the cloud. We have a remote tax team as well, so our users are tax professionals. The outputs are shared by these tax professionals with their clients.

In our case, we only need a few people to deploy a solution. We have common requirements for all of our clients, so we can reuse the same architecture for tax preparation and reconciliation. This means that we don't need a large team of architects or developers to deploy a solution. Even with just three people, we can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

The number of people needed for maintenance depends on the architecture of the solution. In our case, we often opt for an architecture that stores dependencies within our database. For instance, we avoid hardcoding information within the workflows. If, for instance, there's a variable like the tax percentage that varies across different countries, we store that data in the database instead of hardcoding it into ten different workflows. This way, when the tax rate changes, we only need to update the database, avoiding the need to make changes across multiple workflows. The key is to select the appropriate architecture, which significantly reduces the maintenance workload. While some maintenance is inevitable, we typically require one or two professionals on occasion to handle such changes.

Alteryx is definitely worth the investment, but the price is too huge, especially in our geographical context. If there could be a consideration for adjusting prices based on varying currencies, aligning with their existing requirements, that would be more agreeable.

In my opinion, it's actually quite expensive. I frequently encounter numerous students who approach me, seeking the appropriate path to undertake. I assist them in learning tools of this nature, which can equip them for extensive data manipulation tasks since they exhibit keen interest. They are very interested in learning how to use Alteryx, but the license price is too high for most students, especially in India, where I'm from.

For business licenses, I don't really care because my organization is already paying for them. They get a subsidized rate because they have also purchased licenses for other products from Alteryx. I think if Alteryx could reduce the price of licenses for students and other younger professionals, it would help them a lot. These are the people who will promote Alteryx's solutions to others.

Take me, for example. I used Alteryx in my previous company. Now I work for a different company in the US. When I first started at my new company, my team was not convinced that we needed an ETL tool. But I was able to convince them to give Alteryx a try because I had experience with it and I knew how it could benefit our company.

If Alteryx could provide licenses to younger professionals at a cheaper price, it would help them learn about Alteryx and its capabilities. This would lead to more people using Alteryx, which would benefit Alteryx in the long run.

I have some knowledge of KNIME, but we usually prefer working on Alteryx in our organizations.

Currently, we are only using Alteryx within our organization. Moreover, we have plans to make these solutions available to our clients as well. We plan to deploy these solutions in our internal platforms, which can trigger the workloads and provide outputs to the client. We are working on that, but for now, we are primarily developing the solution for ourselves.

Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. 

In our team, we use Excel for a lot of calculations and automation workflows. We retrieve data from the database, perform calculations, and then distribute the results to various departments or customers.

Alteryx helps me do a lot of automation. The best thing about Alteryx is that you don't have to repeat the workflow over and over again. Unlike Excel, where you need to write formulas for each new file, Alteryx follows a consistent process. You can schedule and automate the workflow, even if the files change.

I think sometimes the solution doesn't load properly or takes so much time for the workflows. Though the workflow runs and completes the file in Excel, if you use the same formula, it's a bit slow. Also, the image processing is not so good because I tried to do some image processing and they were like, sometimes they put two to eight. In the document, it was two, but the OCR predicted it as eight.

I have been using the product for two years. 

The tool is stable. 

My company has more than 100 users. 

I haven't contacted the technical support. 

The tool's installation and setup are not difficult; you just need to install it.

You can use this tool if you want to do a lot of automation. It is easy for users to learn and use it. The drag-and-drop interface works fine for us. I rate it a seven out of ten.  

I primarily use Alteryx to build process prototypes, exploring potential business benefits before scaling up and automating. It helps me handle various data sources, apply transformations based on business rules, and push outputs to the cloud. In the past, relying solely on documentation didn't capture the essence, so I used the solution through various approaches. Now, I use it as a live provider and send it to the IT team.

My primary focus is creating numerous data pulls, and Alteryx Server handles the automation well. It's a significant time-saver because I don't have to juggle maintenance for dozens of SQL queries or remember the logic for each one. Everything is neatly organized on our server. Monthly runs are automated, updating Tableau, data services, Excel files, or other necessary components. This level of automation for tasks saves valuable time for me and my team, especially when dealing with emails and other routine processes.

Its most valuable feature lies in its functionality, offering an ETL process similar to a large enterprise with a dedicated IT team. The power of the solution is that it condenses these complex processes into a desktop tool, allowing a single user to handle extensive data extraction, transformation, and loading, even incorporating machine learning. It empowers individuals to execute tasks that typically require an entire IT division, putting this capability at your fingertips.

In terms of improvement, the transition from the desktop to the cloud can be challenging. While the desktop piece works seamlessly within the company's security architecture, when you load workflows onto the cloud, the same connections don't translate due to firewall issues. It would be beneficial if this transition could be made more seamless and straightforward for users.

The solution is already feature-rich and doesn't require any improvements. Their current versions are ahead of the curve. Their machine learning and predictive modeling features place them at the forefront. Some advanced features are more than what's needed for our regular business purposes.

I have been using the solution for over five years. I’m currently using the 2022.1 version of the solution.

I rate the stability a five out of ten. While the desktop features are excellent, the transition from desktop to cloud and the usability of their cloud-based automation could be improved.

The tool is scalable. I rate it an eight out of ten.

We've encountered challenges with their support. Alteryx Support could offer more hands-on assistance, allowing us to walk through the installation process and demonstrate how to connect to data securely. While acknowledging the importance of security considerations, simplifying the process with fewer navigation and layers would greatly improve the overall experience.

Neutral

Installing the Alteryx server and navigating their environment can be complex.

I have been using the solution in my current role for less than a year, and while I have yet to see a return on investment, I did observe ROI in my previous role. However, I see a clear path towards achieving a strong ROI in the current setting.

It was Tableau Prep. It is a competitor to Alteryx, and initially, I considered going with Tableau Prep. However, the decision to choose Alteryx was made by higher-ups in my company. Upon further understanding, I found that Tableau Prep currently does not catch up to Alteryx in terms of features.

To someone evaluating whether to go for Alteryx, I would say it's more simplistic, and you don't need a computer science engineering degree to use it. However, analysts should have a basic understanding of databases and SQL. If your analysts possess these skills, they can quickly grasp the solution. Additionally, staying closely connected with your IT teams during implementation is important to ensure that all components are installed for optimal results. Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Primarily, I use Alteryx for Excel. I also use it to automate pipelines whenever necessary.

The most effective feature of the solution is that it is a fast product with good performance compared to traditional solutions. The tool can deal with large or huge datasets.

I think the tool does not run on some operating systems. I think it would be great if Alteryx could provide an in-built machine.

The software is not fully optimized. What I try to do is use Microsoft tools if I have a heavy workflow. I move to a tool to be able to respond to the workflows for a few seconds. I have to wait until I am able to move to another table, and then I can't duplicate. There are too many optimizations to run.

I have been using Alteryx since 2018.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten. Overall, I have had a good experience. I encountered a few bugs, but I think it is okay because it doesn't happen every day and is normal.

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten. Currently, the tool also offers a cloud version. Usually, scalability is not needed in my environment. In my company, we only use desktops.

I think that, in my company, I work with the tool as part of a team. Additional departments also use the tool. My team uses Alteryx. A total of ten people use the tool.

The solution's technical support is okay. I posted a few queries and called up the support team for help. I felt that the support team was quick to respond and was also helpful. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten.

Positive

The product's initial setup phase is simple and straightforward.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model with servers.

If one is a high price, and ten is a low price, I rate the tool's price as a one. The tool is expensive.

I think that apart from Alteryx, I have had experience with a lot of other products, including Sagemaker. I had purchased a product for one of my customers, who then compared it with Alteryx. I also know about some products like Talend and Rapidminer. I didn't like Rapidminer's interface.

I don't use the predictive analytics part in Alteryx.

I am not sure about the data blending part of the tool.

It is easy to integrate and set up the product with other third-party solutions or hardware. The biggest challenge with the integration is probably the need to get approvals and follow up with the organization. I think the process is quite easy.

My company has not had the opportunity to integrate Alteryx with AI tools.

I recommend the tool to others.

I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

I use the platform for a variety of tasks. For example, I extract data from our Salesforce system and prepare it for analysis. It allows customized monitoring of the pipeline. I often prepare data to be imported into Power BI for further analysis. I also use it for personal data tracking and extracting data from our internal time-logging tool to monitor project progress with customers. It helps me stay updated without manually logging in and reviewing reports that may not contain the precise information I need.

The product's most valuable aspect is its ease of use. It allows me, even as a field person, to create workflows and perform data preparation tasks quickly. Its speed and ability to connect to various data sources in real-time are also significant benefits.

The product's pricing needs improvement. 

We have been using Alteryx daily for approximately four years. We consistently update to ensure we run the latest version with all the latest updates.

The product stability is fine.

The platform is scalable. 

The technical support team is good; responses are usually received within a day. 

Positive

The initial setup was very straightforward. The community support, information on their website, training, and resources are excellent. Anyone can learn the basics in minutes and set it up easily.

It took less than an hour to deploy Alteryx. I handle maintenance on my own. There is no significant need for resources. When updates are required, I download and install them, which takes about 15 minutes.

The platform saves me several hours weekly in data preparation, which would require additional personnel. Although I have not calculated the exact figures, it breaks even for me. The return on investment can be substantial for customers, depending on their usage. 

The product pricing is a concern. I use Alteryx because my company provides it, but it would be too expensive if I had to pay for it myself. Many customers also feel it is too costly, especially in regions like Brazil. While it offers extensive features, including predictive analytics, for those who mainly use it for data preparation and blending, the cost can be prohibitive.

Alteryx significantly reduces the time spent searching for specific information. It handles all my analytics tasks efficiently. Once the workflows are set up, it processes the data and outputs it for further analysis in Power BI. Without Alteryx, these tasks would take much longer.

The cloud version could be improved, as it is less capable than the desktop version. Overall, however, it is an excellent tool.

I rate it a nine. 

We utilize Alteryx for the purpose of transforming data to generate a report for data analysis that predicts the number of customers who will upgrade or downgrade within a specified time frame. After creating the workflow and building a dashboard on it, we set it up on a client-server to run live. When new product data is introduced, we fetch it directly from the database. This process is based on Microsoft SharePoint, and we have specific nodes for this purpose. With the appropriate access, the node will extract the data from Microsoft SharePoint and transform it into the desired format, which we then use to build KPIs and dashboards.

The most valuable feature of Alteryx is its stand-alone version that we do not have to download dependencies for loads. Additionally, the scan is useful for beginners.

Handling a set of data sets for building, cleaning, and preparing is a straightforward process.

The price of the solution could improve by being lower.

I have been using Alteryx for approximately two years.

Alteryx is a stable solution.

I have used Knime previously.

We use the free version of the solution. There are enterprise licenses available. It cost approximately $5,000 annually. It is an expensive solution and there are additional features that cost more money.

In today's world, where every field deals with data, it is essential to have tools that enable us to manipulate, clean, transform, and build dashboards from data. Traditionally, Python and other programming languages were used for data preparation, but now with Alteryx Online, even individuals without coding experience can enter the field and provide valuable solutions to clients. This makes it a useful tool for anyone who needs to work with data.

I rate Alteryx a nine out of ten.

Alteryx is the ultimate replacement for a data shop. I use Alteryx in place of a data center.

We using Alteryx on-premise using gaming systems for performance.

The most valuable feature of Alteryx is its unlimited handling capabilities.

Mastering Alteryx, a comprehensive solution, takes time. However, once you have gained proficiency with its layout and how to drag, drop, and connect components, it becomes remarkably easy, yet still thorough.

The visualization could improve in Alteryx. It is ideal to use another solution, such as Qlik, to make up for the lack of visualization.

I have been using Alteryx for approximately five years.

The solution is scalable. To scale the solution you will have to add more hardware to the on-premise setup, such as CPUs and memory.

We have received a return on investment using Alteryx after the first job.

The cost of Alteryx is approximately $2,900 annually.

When I first started using the solution I was working with the state and was given six years of pregnant women and children data and it took 35 minutes to process the data. I tested the same data recently and it took .3 seconds.

Data should be returned within 30 seconds to make to process useful and if the solution does not provide this, then it is not beneficial.

Cloud deployments are not as quick as the on-premise.

I would advise others that they need someone who understands their domain in terms of the field that they are in. They need to have someone to hold their hand for the first ninety days. Once they pass the ninety days they will be set for the future.

I rate Alteryx a ten out of ten.

We use Alteryx to modify and modernize data based on different types of data requests. The data and the data source may be in different forms, resulting in unstructured data in the database. We use Alteryx to give good shape and size to such unstructured data.

Alteryx makes it easy for the end customer to see clean data in a structured form. Alteryx has many features, such as info data, data cleansing formula, the select tool, union, summarize, and text-to-form. We use Alteryx in the database for reporting, documentation, email, and data preparation.

To use Alteryx, you need to think like the people who write software codes. The formula we currently use in Alteryx can be automated. This would be helpful for people using Alteryx who are not from a coding background and can write the formula differently. Whoever is using Alteryx should feel some convenience using it. We found most of the useful features built into Alteryx, but they all are on a paid basis.

I have been using Alteryx for nine to ten years.

I have not faced any challenges with stability.

Alteryx is really scalable. It adds value and fits our business. More than 300 users are working with Alteryx in our organization in India. I do not have the exact figures, but 2000 users globally use the solution in our organization.

During COVID, they had on-call engineers for very good technical support. I would like to have that support again because they have now closed it, which is difficult for people who need it. They should continue that kind of support again. It would be good if they could provide technical support on screen.

We did not use a different solution but we are planning to use Google Cloud Platform.

The implementation is not a big thing for Alteryx. It is simple and easy to use.

We have seen ROI with this solution. However, if we explore other tools in the market, we will probably get a better ROI.

The solution has a more costly license than other tools in the market.

Alteryx is the best solution for people who want their data in a structured way. It is a bit complicated for a new user. The complexity of the tool is evident by the fact that only if you provide an exact input to this tool it will give you the output. However, if you know a little about Alteryx, it is a very good tool for you. We are using an on-cloud deployment for this solution.

Overall, I rate Alteryx a seven out of ten.