Data Shuttle Dropdown Refresh with static value(s) not in source

Hi all,

I'm looking to run a DS dropdown refresh but append the list with one or two form values not included in my source data, such as a "Not Listed" or "Not Applicable". Currently my source is a sheet content offload to excel attachment which has all the values I need, except these form criteria.

If I add these in the column dropdown locally, they'll just get overwritten next time the DS automation runs, and I'd prefer not to have to set up a report and pivot automation to pull two sources (live and static) together into a single excel.

Is there a more elegant way through the DS function to get this to work that I'm overlooking? Thanks in advance!

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Georgie

Hi @Rob W.,

I would create another Data Shuttle workflow that uploads your new dropdown choices to the source sheet. If you’re only looking to add two new dropdown options, you can run this manually - or, if you’ll be adding dropdown options regularly, you can set this to run on schedule. Take a look here for more information: Create dynamic drop-downs with Data Shuttle.

I tested and confirmed that adding an upload workflow to update dropdown choices added my new options to the column in my source sheet, and these were not affected by my offload workflow continuing to run.

First, you’ll need to create a CSV file with all dropdown options, including your new options, listed in one column (take a look at this related thread for an example).

Next, in Data Shuttle, create a new upload workflow, and use that CSV file as your source. Select workflow action “Update the dropdown choices for the selected columns”, then on the mapping page, map column A from your CSV file to the relevant dropdown column in the sheet - see my example below.

As mentioned, you can then either set the workflow to run on schedule if the CSV file will be updated regularly, or you can just run it manually if choices will only be updated this time or infrequently.

Does that work for you?

Georgie

Rob W.

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/470574#Comment_470574

Thanks Georgie,

I may not have been clear in my original question. I'm already using the scheduled Data Shuttle function to update dropdown choices. My problem is that the source I'm using for the list values is based on a serial number database and doesn't include the other options I want in the form entry dropdown list ("Not Listed", "Not Applicable").

I'm looking for a way to merge static values ("Not Listed", "Not Applicable") with a dynamic list of serial numbers, ideally in a way that doesn't involve me baking those static values into my source serial number tracker. If I run another upload workflow, the list will just oscillate between the two automations based on run schedule rather than appending the two sources together.

Georgie

Hi @Rob W.,

Sorry for the confusion. I understand that you want to find a way to have two sources update the dropdown column values, or a way to create a single list to update the column values, without needing to create a report and pivot automation.

One alternative could be to add another column into your sheet, so that you use one for DataShuttle and one for the alternative options. You could then add both columns into your form.

If you have access to Bridge, you could set up a workflow to update the dropdown column and add the status values in at the same time as using a source column.

Alternatively, you could use the Smartsheet API to update columns.

You may also want to submit a Product Idea for the ability to use multiple sources in Data Shuttle workflows - you can submit your feature request to the Product team by creating an Idea Post in the Smartsheet Product Feedback and Ideas topic here in the Community.

Hope that helps!

Georgie

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