Linked Sheets for Templates

Gunn_Jack

I believe this is an enhancement request but I see it is always good here to start the conversation in the community to test the appetite before requesting it, and it seems it gets picked up by staff more here.

I am creating project templates in smartsheets for our project managers. I am doing this by creating a 'Master' sheet as a grid and then converting it into a Template. One I am working on now is a Risk Log.

Part of the Risk Log references another sheet, in order to give a High, Moderate or Low scoring based upon a selection from 1-5 of impact and probability. It is not as simple as saying a total of 2 = low and a total of 10 = high, therefore I need this matrix to determine the level. 

My issue is that I can set up the template on the grid and link this to the other sheet containing the matrix (it would not be appropriate to have them on one sheet) but when trying to convert to a Template it advises the link will not work....hence my request as I do not want everyone using the Master and taking copies as this inevitably somewhere will go wrong. 

Templates are a great tool for PMO's and project managers and I would really like to use smartsheets more for this however would struggle if you cannot link sheets within templates.

I'd be interested to hear if others have experienced this problem and possibly how you have gotten around it if so.

Thanks,

Jack

Andrée Starå

Hi Jack,

Would it work if you used a sheet as a template instead?

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Gunn_Jack

Hi Andree,

My issue with doing that is that I have done something similar before, and I know it is only a matter of time before someone edits the original or saves over it, so I'd rather not.

The way I have gotten around this for now is just to put the bit I was referencing right at the end of the template in hidden columns. This way if they do edit it or delete it somehow it will only affect their version, not the original.

Templates referencing linked sheets would be a good development in the project management space I believe for future.

Thanks,

Jack

Andrée Starå

Happy to help!

First, Great idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

Second, You could maybe still use a sheet and keep a master copy that's not shared.

Would that work/help?

Best,

Andrée

Paul Newcome

Keeping an un-shared master copy is the route I typically take. I have a folder with multiple, linking sheets that acts as a template. Whenever I make an update to it. I also "Save As New..." on the folder to a workspace that only I have access to.

Gunn_Jack

Thanks guys, good idea

Andrée Starå

You're most welcome!

I'm always happy to help!

Best,

Andrée

 

Paul Newcome

Happy to help.