Sort by Parent Values Without Changing Order of Children Rows
I have multiple tasks each with multiple sub-tasks. The tasks and sub-tasks are not in alpha order, for example:
Whether I leave the rows expanded or collapsed, when I sort the rows by task, it sorts the task and the sub-tasks, like so:
However, now the sub-tasks are out of their correct logical order, e.g., analyze data before gather data.
How do I sort based on the value in the parent row (Acme, Beta, Gamma) without that also applying to the children rows? Is the only way to put the sub-tasks in a new column, e.g., to the right of the task? Seems like needless column-proliferation, especially as on my actual sheet I have 2 or even 3 more levels down below the sub-tasks and not all sub-tasks have any or the same number of sub-levels.
Help is greatly appreciated.
Comments
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Screen shots did not come across, so here they are:
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Great - still no screen shots, 3rd try, old school:
Before sorting:
Gamma
Research potential sources of Gamma data
Identify Gamma experts and engage expertGather Gamma data
Beta
Conduct Beta data test
Determine what tests to perform
Examine and correct Beta test 1
Gather Beta dataAcme
Analyze Acme data
Gather Acme data
Summarize Acme data analysisAfter sorting:
Acme
Analyze Acme data
Gather Acme data
Summarize Acme data analysis
Beta
Conduct Beta data test
Determine what tests to perform
Examine and correct Beta test 1
Gather Beta data
Gamma
Gather Gamma Data
Identify Gamma experts and engage expert
Research potential sources of Gamma data -
Hi Elliot,
It sounds to me that the easiest solution would be to just move the parents around until they are in the correct order. The children will be grouped with the parents when you move them.
More info: https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/504742-sorting-rows
There are a few other ways to solve it, but this is the easiest one as I see it.
Would that work for you?
I hope this helps you!
Best,
Andrée Starå - Workflow Consultant @ Get Done
SMARTSHEET EXPERT CONSULTANT & PARTNER
Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD
W: www.workbold.com | E:andree@workbold.com | P: +46 (0) - 72 - 510 99 35
Feel free to contact me for help with Smartsheet, integrations, general workflow advice, or anything else.
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It's cumbersome because in fact I have several dozen parent level tasks -- seems like there should be a way Smartsheets can do it correctly with a few set parameters.
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Elliott,
Can I use your image in a post on my website?
I have a solution.
Craig
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Here's the solution:
http://ronin-global.com/2018/08/03/smartsheet-sort-by-parent-ignore-children/
Craig
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Hi - I had the same problem as the original poster. I used your solution linked above and it worked great. My only problem is that it only works if you only sort by the "sort order" column created. I have several columns and we will want to sort by different columns and I would like to see if there is a way that the nested children will not change order under the parent no matter what sort is performed on the sheet? Is this possible?
thank you for your help!
Hillary
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