Using ISBLANK when a field is not blank to autofill in a checkbox

I am creating a complicated workaround since when requesting an update (apart from using a form) Smartsheet can't require request for update fields to be filled in.

So, I need to run an automated workflow update request on fields left blank (that arrive after the enterer sends the update, not at the same time).

In order to do this, I am creating a workflow that for every blank field, an update for request will be sent to the enterer, maybe on a daily time interval.

1) Do I need a true/false checkbox column after every single field?

2) Do I drop the formula on every single column I need filled in order to fill in a preceding checkbox column or can I add one long formula somewhere in my sheet?

I have tried this: =ISBLANK([Column2]1) = false

Unfortunately, I get an error "#circular reference"

I assume I change "column2" to the actual name of the column or is that incorrect?

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Paul Newcome

You shouldn't need any separate indicators. You should be able to use conditions of "is blank" when building out your update request and reference the field directly.

Eric Law

@DavidO_Stein You can also do it where the trigger of the automation is daily and the condition you use is if a cell is blank, they need to update that cell.

DavidO_Stein

That doesn't work. It sends a follow up update request at the same time for blank fields as the initial one which is why I am trying this complex workaround.

Paul Newcome

Why not get rid of the initial one then?

DavidO_Stein

1) First party uses a form to collect some basic required information including a third party email

2) That triggers an initial update request for remaining specified fields to be filled out that is sent to the third party email. We want all the fields in the update request to be filled out, but Smartsheet has no way of requiring them ATM.

3) If I set conditions in my initial automated workflow that if any come back blank for to send another update request for the blanks, the third party gets 2 simultaneous update requests: The initial one and one saying they did not complete all of the fields.

4) I am trying a work around by using a formula that when each field is updated, it has it's own true/false column that gets automatically checked. If there is an easier way, I'd love to hear it.

5) Then, I think I can then create a separate request update with the trigger being blank check boxes.

It's so convoluted. If only SS made request update fields required it would make my life much simpler...

Paul Newcome

Right. I understand what you are trying to accomplish. But you should be able to get rid of the initial update request and just use the one that is currently triggering off of blank cells.

DavidO_Stein

What automation will remind them they need to fill out the blanks?

DavidO_Stein

The trigger is when the form info is captured.

Then, this is how I set it up to get updates.

Paul Newcome

Right. So why not just get rid of the one that is triggered when the form is submitted?

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