Is it possible to create a workflow that sends an alert only when the parent row status changes?

Susan Peck

We have a sheet with projects (parent rows) and child rows that are deliverables for the project. The team that needs to know when a project is completed doesn't need to know that individual deliverables (child rows) are completed, just the overall project (parent row).

I can't figure out a way to send an alert to the team when only the parent row status is Complete. Is there some way to limit alerts to parent rows? Am I missing something obvious?

(I realize a workaround would be to use a different status value in the parent row, but that means training a whole department to use a workaround.)

Thanks for your help!

susan

Andrée Starå

@Susan B Peck

Excellent!

You're more than welcome!

You don't have anything else that is specific for the parent rows that could be used?

✅Remember! Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Andrée Starå

Hi @Susan B Peck

I hope you're well and safe!

You could add a so-called helper column that checks if the row is a parent and include that as a condition in the alert.

Make sense?

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Susan Peck

Hi @Andrée Starå

Thank you for the response! Yes, I am well and safe and hope you are, too.

A helper column would work and since it is only one sheet and only a few parent rows, wouldn't be too much trouble. It also gives me flexibility in case the department receiving the alerts wants something different.

It would be nice for some logic in the workflow to look at only parent rows. I'll make a request!

Thanks much!

susan

Andrée Starå

@Susan B Peck

Excellent!

You're more than welcome!

You don't have anything else that is specific for the parent rows that could be used?

✅Remember! Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Susan Peck

@Andrée Starå

Humm, that's got me thinking. Yes, I do have some unique information, which I'm already using for conditional text. Maybe I can incorporate that value into my alert.

Thanks for the tip!

susan

Susan Peck

@Andrée Starå

That solution worked perfectly! I just needed to think about it a different way.

Thank you!

susan

Andrée Starå

@Susan B Peck

Happy to help!