Onboarding New Users

Starting with new software can be challenging, and Alteryx is no exception. That’s why onboarding new users is so important - it helps ensure you gain the skills and confidence needed to make the most of the platform right from the start. A well-structured onboarding process reduces frustration, speeds up learning, and sets you up for success with Alteryx.?

5 key steps to ensure a smooth Alteryx start?

In this guide, you'll find five key steps to help you navigate through the basics, from installation to advanced training. By following this process, you can start using Alteryx efficiently and work towards mastering the tool.??

If you know someone who is at the beginning of their journey with Alteryx, feel free to share this article with them!?

Step 1: Alteryx Installation??

Installing Alteryx Designer is a simple process. Use this link to download the latest trial version and install it on your machine. If you need any assistance, you can refer to the official Alteryx documentation here or ask a colleague who has already completed the installation.?

Step 2: Become a Part of the Alteryx Community?

Once your Alteryx license is activated, the next step is to get comfortable with the core features and layout of the software. To help you get started, here are a few resources that can make the learning process smoother.?

The Alteryx Community is a welcoming, global network where users connect to share tips, solve problems, and learn from each other. I’d highly recommend creating an account early on - it's a great way to access free resources and find answers to any challenges you may face along the way.?

Maveryx Academy is a platform for both beginners and more advanced users. You'll find interactive lessons, certification materials, tool guides, and plenty of videos packed with Alteryx insights and best practices. By exploring it, you’ll be able to build your skills and gain confidence in no time.?

If you’re new to Alteryx or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, the Getting Started Learning Path is the perfect place to begin. It should give you a solid foundation and the change to gain hands-on experience. With its structured format, it makes achieving the Alteryx Core Certification easier. You can track your progress and revisit any topics that were particularly challenging. The Learning Path includes recordings, materials, and practical exercises to guide your learning.?

Step 3: Choose Your First Use Case

When getting started with Alteryx, it’s important to select a use case that’s simple and easy to manage. Focus on a process that isn’t too complex, allowing you to build a solution quickly and gain some early wins. By starting small, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the key functionalities of Alteryx without feeling overwhelmed. This initial success will provide a solid foundation and give you the confidence to explore more advanced features later on.?

Step 4: Your first success?

Once you've selected your use case, it’s time to start building. Keep the scope practical and achievable, so you can see the value of your work early in the process. Remember, your first use case shouldn't be too complex; otherwise, there's a risk you may never finish it, leading you back to old ways of working, like Excel.??

This hands-on experience will help you understand the Alteryx workflow, from data input to automation, and give you immediate results that benefit your business. Building a working solution not only boosts your skills but also sets the stage for tackling more complex challenges as you progress.?

Step 5: Use Case Trainings?

I’d like to share with you our Alteryx Implementation Framework, which is built around Use Case Training. This simplified approach helps teams quickly see the value of Alteryx without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Below is a version you can use within your organization:?

Day 1 – Intro Training?

We focus on foundational Alteryx skills through hands-on exercises. Participants learn how to prepare and blend data, automate tasks, and build simple workflows.?

Day 2 – Use Case Training?

On the second day, we work with the team’s own data to help them automate their first use case. This hands-on experience not only gives them a working solution they can use right away but also boosts their confidence to take on new projects independently.?

Extra Alteryx Resources?

Weekly Challenges are a great way to strengthen your skills with hands-on practice. With different difficulty levels, these challenges expose you to new tools and techniques while offering real-world scenarios. Plus, you can learn from others by exploring shared solutions, making it a valuable learning experience at any level.?

Alteryx User Group Meetings are another area that can help you learn Alteryx. UG meetings are organized on a regular basis in different parts of the world, where experts from top-tier companies across various industries share their real-world use cases and best practices. You can register for these at no cost.??

There are meetings held in various regions around the world, and on the official Alteryx website, you can find recordings from regions like the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific. Additionally, recordings from Data Pal User Group meetings are published on our YouTube channel (link). ?

Furthermore, both Bart Smuga and I regularly share Alteryx-related content and advice on our LinkedIn profiles. It’s a great way to get quick, free insights and practical tips to enhance your skills and stay updated on the latest trends.?

Conclusion?

In the end, getting properly onboarded with Alteryx is key to unlocking its value and seeing results quickly. By having a clear learning path, picking the right use case, and building real solutions, you’ll be able to see how Alteryx can drive success for your team.??

Proper onboarding isn’t just about learning the tool - it’s about helping your company work more efficiently and make smarter decisions with data. That’s why so many businesses choose Alteryx - it’s not just about the software, it’s about making your company more successful, faster.?