Cell Links Between Sheets Don't Work Consistently

Rebecca S

Hi -

I have set data mesh cell links between multiple SmartSheets that I own. The properties of the columns on the different sheets match.

In the Data Mesh set up, I've selected:

1. To overwrite content
2. To create cell links
3. To run immediately

I have multiple instances where data changes on the source sheet and does not update in the linked cell on the target sheet.

This is extremely frustrating. Usually, if I go to the data mesh I set up and click the 'run' button, I can get it to work, but then eventually it again just stops working.

Do I need to change something in how I've set this up?

Thanks in advance for any guidance. There is quite a bit riding on this, so there are major risks to this not performing as expected.

Abdul Samad Mohammad

Hello @Rebecca S

The core of the issue is that Data Mesh and Cell Links are two different mechanisms that often conflict or override each other, especially when using Data Mesh in an "overwrite" mode.

You told Data Mesh to create cell links, but you also told it to overwrite content. Every time Data Mesh overwrites the target cell, it often breaks or removes the cell link it just created. That's why the update stops working until you manually hit "Run."

Option A: The Best Fix (Real-Time Updates)

1. Delete the Data Mesh Workflow: Get rid of the current Data Mesh setup for this connection.
2. Use Only Standard Cell Links: Go to your target sheet, click a cell, and use the "Link from Cell in Other Sheet" feature to re-establish the connection.
   • Result: Data updates happen instantly and automatically without needing Data Mesh to run.

Option B: The Scheduled Fix (If Data Mesh is Required)

If you must use Data Mesh for complex row matching:

1. Edit Data Mesh: Go into your Data Mesh setup.
2. UNCHECK: The option "To create cell links."
3. Set a Schedule: Ensure the Data Mesh is set to run frequently (e.g., every 15 minutes).
   • Result: Data updates happen reliably but only when the Data Mesh runs on its schedule, not instantly.

Thanks,

Mohammad Abdul Samad

abdulsamadm528@gmail .com