Record Original Date

Regen

Hi,

I'm trying to automatically record the first input in a cell (e.g. Project Start Date) in another cell (e.g. Original Project Start Date).

Ideally, it'd be an automation that does this:

If “Project Start Date” is changed and “Original Project Start Date” is blank, copy “Project Start Date” to “Original Project Start Date”

I don't think that right now this is possible, but does anyone know a work-around?

Ray Lindstrom

Hi @Regen,

Unfortunately that's not possible right now. If “Change cell value” automation allowed you to reference field/cell values like "Alert someone" and “Update Request” automations allow (using double curly brackets), then it would be simple to accomplish.

When using the “Change cell value” automation, you have to enter the exact value. Whatever you enter is automatically turned into a string of text. No cell-references or formulas allowed.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Regen

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Ray's excellent advice/answer.

Please have a look at my post below with a method I developed.

More info: 

Lock or Store Date/Value Solution without using Zapier

Andrée Starå

May 24, 2020

Hi all,

I hope you're well and safe!

I've developed a solution that lets you store the date or value.

You'd use the copy-row automation and a VLOOKUP or combination of INDEX/MATCH to make it work.

We'd trigger the copy-row to another sheet and get the created date/other value and then use the VLOOKUP/INDEX/MATCH to get it back to the main sheet in another so-called helper column. As long as you have a unique id/value that we can use, it will work.

Also, this opens up more options with auto-numbering and similar.

Depending on other workflows, you could reuse one sheet for multiple workflows.

I hope that helps!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Stay safe and have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution.

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Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe, and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up, Awesome, or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!