Automation: Request an update but my contacts are not in a contact column

Jed Rusyniak

How can I work around this issue.  My sheet is populating the "Contacts" via formula.  I want to trigger automated update requests but am running into issues since I'm unable to convert the column type to "contact" since it appears that Smartsheet doesn't allow this functionality.  Anyone have any ideas how I can work around this?  I'm wanting the sheet to automatically ping "carrier contacts" based on a few conditions but my carrier contacts are not in a "Contact' Column. 

Andrée Starå

Hi Jed,

Excellent news! Formulas in contact columns are coming verysoon.

Coming Soon: A New Way to Assign Work

Formulas like =VLOOKUP enable your sheets to automatically returnkey data based on its association with a unique identifier. Today, formula output cannot be in a contact column, but we plan on supporting this very soon.

What does this mean for you? Teams that field requests in IT, marketing, and other departments will be able to automatically assignincoming requests to the correct person. This will help eliminate the manual process of assigning new work,and get the right people working on the right things more quickly.

For example, if you are a West Coast regional manager for a consulting firm, you can create a sheet for tracking customers. Using a Smartsheet form, prospective customers can fill out their name and address to request a bid.

With the forthcoming capability, you’ll be able to quickly setup a formula in the contact column then, dependent on the submission, look up the state and which regional manager is responsible. The correct person is assignedto that customer, and a notification is generatedto let them know they have a new opportunity to work — all without anymanual input.

One of Smartsheet’s fundamental commitments to our customers is continuous improvement. Ensuring that you can move from idea to impact — fast — is critical. Be on the lookout for performance enhancements that will improve formula speed within your sheets. We’re happy to share these changes with you,and look forward to many more to come. 

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Jed Rusyniak

That is fantastic.  I have a little work around for now, but it is dependent on a user to copy and past as values from one column to another.    Is there a way for me to be notified of this update when it is launched?

Andrée Starå

I'll let you know as soon as I see it's available. 

Barry Bowles

Great news !  I had just sent an enhancement request for this - think it will be a game changer in workflows

Andrée Starå

It surely will be!

I can't wait!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Andrée Starå

It's released now! 

https://community.smartsheet.com/announcement/announcing-formula-support-contact-columns