Issue with inter-sheet cell linking returning blank cells

Hello all. I am having an issue, and it may be a very disappointing deal-killer.

I am a national program manager and have taken on one of our organization's largest programs. I am attempting to evaluate smartsheets as a potential MS Project replacement.

Issue

In Project 1 (P1), I create a link to a task in Project 2 (P2). In P1, I can see the small blue link-reference, but the text of the cells remains blank.

Steps

I have imported 3 relatively small .mpps.
I have created a simple, small test roll-up project
In P1, I select only the task name, create the link to P2, highlighting only the task name in P2
In P1, the task name remains blank. There have been times when I leave and come back, the value populates. Sometimes not. In other instances, I have deleted the reference, left, and when I returned, the value is populated but the link is gone.
If I perform this process highlighting multiple fields in P1, then highlighting the same fields in P2, I achieve similar results.

Reasoning for the need

Effective cell linking will allow me to provide me and senior leadership with a simple holistic view of what is happening within the program, allowing us to quickly identify workstream, market, and program-wide critical paths, identify issues, communicate timelines, etc.

Impact of the issue

This issue has the potential of preventing smartsheet from being an effective replacement for the organization.

If the creation of a link to another smartsheet brings back blank results, I don't know how the tool is usable - I feel like I must be missing something. I am seeing this issue reported in the forums for years with only rudimentary workarounds. I don't see these workarounds as being feasible for an enterprise solution. I have high hopes for SmartSheets and would really appreciate some assistance.

Thanks!

Pete

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Cell linking

Accepted answers

Debbie Sawyer

@Pete Austin

I have been experiencing delays in the linking. Sometimes recently I have added cell links and its been a few minutes (after several refreshes) that the servers catch up and show the links. I've even open and closed the sheets and the catch up isn't instant. They have all appeared in the end though…

Might it be just a unexpected delay (some cases up to 10 mins) which makes you think you've done it wrong?

I believe (I have no proof) that Smartsheet may have slowed down some processes behind the scenes. I have noticed workflows taking a lot longer to run than before, again I have waited a good 10 mins for an email to come through from triggered automation (where before they were pretty instant) or for cells to update from a workflow now can take a few minutes before that lovely blue flash shows the expected updates. They happen eventually but it is a bit slower than previously experienced.

All that said, it is still an excellent tool for Project Management. I have build many solutions for clients and have run webinars on using the PMO template sets; if you have any questions on using Project Management aspects of Smartsheet, then please do connect and we can talk through any pain points that you have noticed.

Kind regards

Debbie

All comments

kowal

hi @Pete Austin,

Sometimes it take up to few minutes for the data to occur in the linked cell.

I assume that you linked correctly (as you see small little triangle) but it the source cell do you see small black triangle? (it shows that the cell is linked to another cell).

If you can see those both triangles on both cells just give it few minutes max and it will show up.

Hope it helps.

Pete Austin

Kowal,

Thanks for the note. I will check and get back to you.

Pete Austin

National Program Management Consultant

CDTS Project Management Services

Mobile 240 605 6939

Email peter.h.austin@KP.org

Debbie Sawyer

@Pete Austin

Might it be just a unexpected delay (some cases up to 10 mins) which makes you think you've done it wrong?

Kind regards

Debbie

Pete Austin

Debbie - Thank you very much for your detailed response. I appreciate it and it is great to see that the community is thriving. Best wishes.

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