Issue with Automation Not Triggering from Data Shuttle + Formula Helper Column

Caren.Amaya

I’m running into an issue with a Smartsheet automation not triggering as expected.

I have a Project Status Helper column (checkbox) that is a formula column.

The formula checks if Project Status is blank, and if so, it checks the box (intended to flag new projects).

New rows are being added via Data Shuttle.

I have an automation workflow set up:

Trigger: When rows are added or changed

Condition: Project Status Helper is checked AND Project Status is blank

Action: Change Project Status to “New”

The problem:
When rows are added through Data Shuttle, the automation does not trigger—even though the helper column is checked and Project Status is blank.

Additional context:

The helper column is formula-driven, not manually edited.

Rows are created/updated via Data Shuttle, not manual entry.

It seems like the automation is not recognizing changes driven by formulas or Data Shuttle updates.

What I’m trying to understand:

Do automations not trigger based on formula column changes?

Does Data Shuttle bypass automation triggers?

What’s the best workaround to ensure Project Status updates to “New” for newly added rows?

Melissa Yamada

Automations do not trigger from formula changes.
Your helper column is calculated, so even if it shows as checked, Smartsheet doesn’t see that as a “change event.”

Instead, update your automation to:

Trigger: When rows are added
Condition: Project Status is blank
Action: Change Project Status to “New”

That way:

It fires immediately on row creation
No reliance on formula evaluation
If you still need the helper column

Keep it for visibility, but don’t use it as a trigger condition.