How to Easily Convert String to Time in Alteryx

Discover a straightforward method to convert string formatted time entries into time datatype in Alteryx, overcoming common type conversion errors.
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How to Easily Convert String to Time in Alteryx

Alteryx is a powerful tool that helps analytics professionals streamline their data processing tasks. However, working with different data types can sometimes pose challenges. One common issue many users encounter is converting time strings into the proper time format. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to convert something like 8:46 AM from a string to a time datatype in Alteryx, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to convert string times to a time format. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Problem

You may have a dataset where times are stored as strings—like the following:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

While these look fine, they are essentially text strings. Converting these strings into a time format can be tricky, and many users run into type conversion errors when trying to do so.

The Solution: Step-by-Step Instructions

I spent some time experimenting with the solution and I'm excited to share what I discovered! To successfully convert string times into the time datatype in Alteryx, follow these steps:

Step 1: Isolate the Time and Part of Day

First, you’ll need to split the time and the am/pm part into two separate components:

VisitTime: This will hold the time itself (e.g., 8:30).

PartofDay: This will store the am or pm designation (e.g., AM).

To do this effectively, you can utilize the LEFT and TRIM functions. Here’s a template on how to extract these values:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Use DateTimeParse for Conversion

Once you have the VisitTime and PartofDay isolated, you can combine them and convert to a time datatype using the DateTimeParse function. The correct formatting for your expression would be:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command concatenates your time string with the am/pm indicator, allowing Alteryx to interpret it correctly.

Step 3: Select the Right Data Format

After successfully using the DateTimeParse function, it’s time to convert the result into the desired time format. Use a Select tool in Alteryx to change the datatype from String to Time. This conversion should occur without any type conversion errors.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively convert string formatted time entries into time datatypes in Alteryx. Keep these tips in mind when handling data transformation, and you'll streamline your workflow significantly.

Now that you have the know-how, give it a try! For further questions, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!