Is there a way to include the Sheet Name as a variable in a message?

RyanSCampbell

Based on this KB article (Dynamically Add Cell Data in the Subject and Body of Request Messages) I know that we can include the names of columns (like {{Name}}), but I want to update the subject to include the name of the sheet itself (like {{Sheet_Name}}.

Context: We have created a contact list template, that has a form created for it. When the template sheet gets copied it includes the form and the notification workflow. Our process is to update the name of the newly created sheet (from the template) to include the name of the project (like “ACME - Contacts”). When someone from ACME submits their contact information on the form, I want the Automation workflow to Alert me with a custom message that says something like:

New {{Sheet_Name}} Entry: {{Name}}

The problem is that I get an error that says “Sheet_Name” does not exist on the sheet. Please ensure spelling is correct.

I know that the Sheet Name does exist, I just can’t figure out the right name for it (and I tried a few). I know this because if you delete the custom message altogether, the email message that comes in has a subject that says:

Changes to TEMPLATE PROJECTNAME - Contacts: Project Manager

Where “TEMPLATE PROJECTNAME - Contacts” is the name of the sheet, and “Project Manager” is the first field on the sheet. This is close to what we want, but not exactly.

Which brings me back to the original question:

Is there a way to include the Sheet Name as a variable in a message?

If so, what is the variable I can include (wrapped in double-handlebars) for the Sheet Name?

Andrée Starå

Hi @RyanSCampbell

I hope you're well and safe!

Unfortunately, it's not possible now to reference the Sheet Name in that way, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

Here's a possible workaround or workarounds

• Add a so-called helper column (Sheet Name) and a sheet summary field (Sheet Name), and reference the summary field from the sheet summary to a row in the Sheet Name column and make it a column formula. Now you can reference that in the message in a workflow.

Make sense?

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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RyanSCampbell

Thanks for the response Andrée, it sounds like a creative solution, but honestly I don't follow. I got lost on this part "reference the summary field from the sheet summary to a row in the Sheet Name column and make it a column formula". Could you try explaining it again for me?

Genevieve P.

Hi @RyanSCampbell

I believe @Andrée Starå is talking about setting up a Sheet Summary Field with the name, like so:

Then you can reference this field in a formula, like so:

=[Sheet Name]#

And turn this formula into a Column Formula:

Which then means this name will appear in each row as soon as a new row is created, and you can reference this column in your workflow:

Let us know if you would still like further clarification!

Cheers,

Genevieve

RyanSCampbell

Thanks @Genevieve P, that makes the workaround much more clear! It still doesn't exactly provide me the solution I'm looking for with this situation, but it's a great idea to keep in mind.

I've submitted a product enhancement request for now, and we'll see where it goes.

C Yellen

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/287618#Comment_287618

@Andrée Starå - this was exactly what I was looking for and @Genevieve P.'s detailed explanation helped a lot! To add to it - those helper columns can easily be hidden so you don't have to look at them. I always forget this part!

Andrée Starå

Hi @C Yellen

I hope you're well and safe!

Excellent!

Glad to hear that it was helpful for you as well!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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mallen101

Is there anyway to reference a summary field for an automation? @Genevieve P.

It doesn't seem to work for me :(

Andrée Starå

Hi @mallen101

I hope you're well and safe!

Have you added Sheet Name as a field in the Sheet Summary and then referenced it in a column in the sheet named "Sheet Name"?

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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mallen101

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/339283#Comment_339283

Thanks for you reply, yes this does work but I was hoping to alleviate the extra work of adding a column to add a column formula to simply hide it for this to work :)

All good though, thanks again.

Andrée Starå

@mallen101

Happy to help!

Unfortunately, this is the only way to convert it to a column formula because you can't have a direct cell reference.

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