Is there a limit to the number of fields I can use in a trigger for an automation?

Werner Gerstacker

I have a sheet that has 50ish columns and I need to copy a row (for archiving purposes) when one out of 25 columns for this row is changed.

It seems like there is a limit to 20 triggers per automation - is this correct?

Is there a way around this limitation?

Yes, I could create one automation with 15 and another one with 10 triggers, but I guess that this would result into two new rows in the archive rather than just one.

Werner Gerstacker

Thanks for checking on this, @Andrée Starå ,

I was hoping to avoid multiple workflows because it will result into multiple 'Copy Row' actions, i.e. multiple entries in my helper sheet which has doubled to become my archive file for each time the status of a project is updated.

I don't think Zapier is an option - after all, Smartsheet was supposed to be the solution to my workflow management requirements. I'll look into Zapier, though - just to see what it can do in principle.

Andrée Starå

Hi Werner,

Not sure I follow!

Are you adding 25 trigger conditions in the Workflow?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Werner Gerstacker

Yes, @Andrée Starå - this is what I'm trying to achieve, using 25 trigger conditions; your wording is much more to the point than mine 😉

Andrée Starå

@Werner Gerstacker

Haha! As long as we understand each other.

I usually say, don't listen to what I say, understand what I mean! 😉

I'd suggest using a so-called helper column instead and a formula that checks for the same conditions if possible.

Would that work?

Werner Gerstacker

Hmmm - not sure how to achieve that.

I'm looking for any change in any of these 25ish columns, i.e. an indication that a project manager has updated anything: be it the number for the '% Complete' info, a text in the 'Achievements for last week' column, or the 'Resource Status' going from yellow to green.

Is there a function for that so that I can create this helper column?

Andrée Starå

@Werner Gerstacker

That might be more difficult.

Let me think about it.

I'll get back to you soon.

Andrée Starå

@Werner Gerstacker

How often should the automation trigger?

Werner Gerstacker

Hi @Andrée Starå

It's supposed to trigger a 'Copy Row' action, i.e. create a new row in my report archive sheet, whenever a change is made (and saved) to any of the 25 fields in the row.

Sometimes people will only make a change to one field, sometimes they will have updates to 15+ fields or so.

Andrée Starå

@Werner Gerstacker

I think you'll have to add multiple workflows to make it work.

Another possible workaround could be to use the 3rd party service, Zapier, instead.

Is that an option?

Werner Gerstacker

Thanks for checking on this, @Andrée Starå ,

I was hoping to avoid multiple workflows because it will result into multiple 'Copy Row' actions, i.e. multiple entries in my helper sheet which has doubled to become my archive file for each time the status of a project is updated.

I don't think Zapier is an option - after all, Smartsheet was supposed to be the solution to my workflow management requirements. I'll look into Zapier, though - just to see what it can do in principle.

Andrée Starå

@Werner Gerstacker

You're more than welcome!