Smartsheet needs to have differentiation between a "text" column type and a number

When integrating data in other apps and programs, the data type is critical. Additionally, We need to be able to lock out the data type in the entry. I should not be allowed to type text into a date field or text into a number field. etc. This will enhance the reporting and BI usefulness of this tool.

Find more posts tagged with

API and Developers

Services

Integrations

IT & Operations

Comments

unknown

This content has been removed.

J. Craig Williams

IMO, what we are likely to get is some sort of Data Validation Rule that allows the admin to force the type. I do not think (or wish) that there will be a differentiation between the column type.

What you likely want is cell level data validation, which I am opposed to on several levels, not least of which is it breaks the 'simpler is better' design.

Some issues:

Many "Number" columns have text in them some where. Section text or descriptions for example.
Many "Text" columns have numbers in them - counts of "In Progress" for example.
By forcing an entire column to one type or the other will lead to more admin overhead and browser processing requirements.

To let the developers know of your suggestions, use the link to the right for Submit Product Enhancement Request.

Craig