Adding a freeform text field to an Update Request

Steve S

I am using an Update Request that is emailed out to a user. 

When the user clicks the button VIEW REQUEST another dialogue box appears with the fields (columns) I chose to show. One of the fields, I want the user to be able to enter data to a free from text field. The column where I want the input data stored is set as a Text/Number column. My problem is the Request shows the column title but does not include a free form text field where I want the user to enter data. 

Can someone assist me in a solution for this ? Thank you. 

Andrée Starå

Hi Steve,

Is the column locked?

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share some screenshots?

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Steve S

Thank you Andrée. 

I have attached some snapshots of the work instruction I created for the smartsheet users in my company. 

In the snapshots I tried to show the intended process steps, column property settings and the Advanced Options of the Approval Request I am using to populate the Sales Order Number [SCHCOM or OFC Mgmt. Requests]  column in question. 

Paul Newcome

I have had this problem before, and (after hours of my head forcefully impacting a wall) I eventually realized it was because the column was locked.

Steve S

Hi Paul. Thank you for commenting. My head too shows signs of wall banging.

I checked the LOCKED COLUMN state. Column is NOT locked. 

I am thinking it has something to do with a limitations of an APPROVAL REQUEST.  I am using the Approval Request with a YES NO option but I am also wanting the same Approval Request to offer a text entry field.  It appears APPROVAL REQUESTS don't allow both in the same request. Can someone confirm this ?

Andrée Starå

Hi Steve,

In an Approval Request, it's only possible to add comments and to answer with the buttons.

Hope that helps!

Best,

Andrée

Paul Newcome

Oh. My apologies. I was responding based on Update Requests. Approval Requests can have comments made on them, but they are stored in the row comments as opposed to a column.

Steve S

After trying about everything, I figured it was some sort of limitation in the type of request. 

Question:

Is it possible to kick up another message box if a certain button is pushed. ?

Like if the user selects  the YES button could another box appear that calls for the input of the sales order ? and then post that sales order number to the smartsheet

Paul Newcome

Unfortunately not. You would have to have the box there already and just use the helper text to say that it must be filled out if x criteria is met. I have that built in to a few of my forms and then set up an update request to send if a row is added and x criteria is met, but the box was left blank. That way they get prompted/reminded that they need to fill it out, and they can update it in a manner very similar to a form without having to log into SS.