System Settings

In System Settings, Administrator users can adjust resource usage to optimize Alteryx performance and configure Alteryx Service which enables workflow scheduling capabilities.

Resource usage settings

System resource usage can be adjusted in System Settings, User Settings, and Workflow Settings. Settings in User Settings override System Settings; Workflow Settings override User Settings and System Settings.

Click through the on-screen prompts to correctly configure and maintain the system environment.

Engine Settings

General Screen

The Engine > General screen includes configuration options such as where temporary files and log files should be stored and options for specifying system resource usage to optimize performance.

Temporary Directory: The Engine Temporary Directory is the location where temporary files used in processed workflows will be stored. This path should point to a location that is safe to store large amounts of files.

Logging Directory: Each time a workflow is run, output logs are produced. These logs will be written to the directory specified in this field. A blank logging directory will disable logging.

Package Staging Directory: When editing workflows stored in a Gallery, the Package Staging Directory will be used to temporarily house files associated with the workflow. By default, these files will be written inside of the Engine Temporary Directory.

Memory Limit per Anchor: The maximum amount of memory that is used to consume data for each output anchor for tools in a workflow. The default is 1024 KB (1 MB). This setting is typically not changed.

Default Sort/Join Memory Usage: This is the minimum amount of memory that the Engine will consume while performing operations such as Sorts and Joins within a workflow. Generally this value should not change.

Default Number of Processing Threads: Some tools and operations can take advantage of multiple processing threads. Generally this value should not be changed, and the default value is the number of available processor cores plus one.

Allow Users to Override These Settings: This option will either allow or prevent users from overriding the above settings. If checked, users can specify their own memory usage, processing threads, etc. If not checked, the users will assume the settings provided.

Run Engine at a Lower Priority: This option should be checked if you are running other memory intensive applications simultaneously. It is also recommended that this setting be checked for a machine configured to run the Gallery.

Allow User Alias to Override the System Alias: With this option checked, any user alias that is specified in the Alias Repository can take priority over a system alias.

Proxy Screen

Alteryx will use a proxy, if one is set up, to access the internet, rather than directly connecting to an internet host. If a proxy server has not been set up, this screen will not display.

To ensure the security of credentials, Alteryx requires a manual proxy be set up. A proxy can be set up via Network and Internet settings on the machine, or via Internet Options in Internet Explorer where the user can enter a URL or a file path that points to a Proxy Auto Config (PAC) file. On the Connections tab, click the LAN Settings button, deselect Automatically Detect Settings, and select the Proxy Server option.

Proxy requires password: Select this option to enter the Username and Password that will be sent to the proxy for authentication.

Proxy configuration alternative

A proxy can also be configured via the User Settings window in Alteryx by going to Options > User Settings > Edit User Settings and clicking the Advanced tab.