How do I trigger an automation on a sheet that is not open?

John Betancourt

The problem: The "on change" automation does not trigger despite the flag changing - this is happening on a sheet that is not running.

The situation: I have 2 sheets.

Sheet 1, The Active List, has a list of active employees.

Sheet 2, The Remove List, is populated via data uploader (replace). It contains employees who leave the company.

The Mechanics:

When data uploader runs, Sheet 2 is populated with terminated employees. Over on the Active list, I have an Index/match formula in a checkbox field that looks to see if the Active employee appears on Sheet 2. I'm finding that after I upload, the flag will checkbox will have changed to "checked" but the automation associated with it did not fire.

The automation:

If flag Changes to Checked, then record the date and move the employee.

The flag is changing but the automation does not trigger.

Why does my automation not trigger on Sheet 1 when the conditions are met due to changes based on a separate sheet? How do I fix this?

Thanks

Andrée Starå

Hi @John Betancourt

I hope you're well and safe!

Below is a description of why it's not working. Could you set it to be time-based or recurring instead?

To prevent infinite approval loops, cells which contain cross-sheet formulas or cell links will not trigger an automation which automatically changes the sheet (Move Row, Copy Row, Lock Row, Unlock Row, Approval Request). To work around this, consider using time-based automation or recurrence workflows.

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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John Betancourt

Thanks for the response, @Andrée Starå.

I had a Smartsheet pro-desk session and was advised to change my trigger to "when any value changes" and use my criteria as a Condition. This solved my issue.