"Move A Row" workflow automation triggered from VLookup cell

Ross Novotny

I have a Vlookup column that is showing a client status from a "master" grid. When I update the status on the master grid it will update the client status on the associated grid based on the Vlookup. That works fine. The problem is that both grids have an automated workflow that I am triggering that would move the applicable row based on the client status going to "cancelled". "Move a Row" can't be run on a delayed or daily basis, only upon triggering. With that instant trigger, the associated grid is then finding "#No Match", which makes sense. But even though in the workflow automation rules I can trigger based on a status of "#No Match" that doesn't actually trigger the moving of the row. The end goal is to move a cancelled client off our active grids that we work from. Any help is appreciated.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Ross Novotny

Try changing the #NO MATCH to show something else with an IFERROR function at the start of the formula.

https://help.smartsheet.com/function/iferror

Did that work?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Ross Novotny

Hey Andree - Thats a great thought, but it is not working. I have tried using the IFERROR formula and it would show "Cancelled Client" in that case. Unfortunately the automation workflow is still not recognizing that. I have tried several combinations within the workflow rules - Status= "Cancelled Client", Status= Cancelled Client, etc. The IfError part is working just fine, but the automation workflow still is not picking it up and triggering the Move of the row.

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

Strange!

Can you maybe share some screenshots of the Automation? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help.

Ross Novotny

Here is the automation trigger as well as an example of what it looks like in a specific cell.

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

Try changing the "Cancelled Client" in the Trigger to Cancelled Client. You don't need the "" in the criteria if it's not written that way in the Client Status column and formula.

Did that fix it?

Ross Novotny

No, unfortunately, I have tried that and just tried it again. Without the quotation marks, it is equivalent to one of the standard dropdown statuses. See screenshot:

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

Can you maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s)? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

Ross Novotny

Just Shared a copy of the 4 grids with you Andree. Thanks for taking a look.

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

I'll take a look and get back to you!

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

Apologies for not thinking/remembering this earlier.

I think I know why it doesn't work. I have a memory that the Move Row / Copy Row Automation can't be triggered with cross-sheet formulas. I tried finding some information about it to make sure but didn't. I'll get back to you if I find it.

As a possible workaround, you could maybe use an Approval Workflow to trigger it instead, and then you could delay it, so it works without issues.

What do you think? Would that work/help?

Ross Novotny

It doesn't appear that works either... I just set up an approval workflow. Additionally I have a "hidden" column that simply equals the visible client. This is to prevent any issues with cross sheet references. So the secondary sheet is simply triggering off a "Cancelled Client" status that is showing up in a "mirroring" column. The approval step does create a delay in which the secondary sheet is reading "Cancelled Client", however it is still not triggering the movement of the row to the sheet I am hoping it would move to. These approval workflows and hidden cells are in the sheets I shared with you.

Andrée Starå

@Ross Novotny

Any progress on your side?

I'll let you know if I make any progress on my side.

Ross Novotny

No progress yet on this... Working on some other challenges with this Smartsheet "system"

skarkhoff

@Ross Novotny & @Andrée Starå -

Please let me know what you come up with in regards to this! I just posted a similar question!

UPDATE: I was able to use Zapier and a checkbox to use as the "trigger" for my needs... not sure if that's an option for you. If so, let me know and I can share what I did.

Andrée Starå

@skarkhoff

Thanks for sharing! I know how to make it work with Zapier, but @Ross Novotny might have a need, but if I don't remember it incorrectly, it wasn't an option.