Automation triggered by INDEX / MATCH cell value changes

Kyle Chipman

Howdy - I feel like I've tested this every which way but didn't want to throw in the towel until I asked the community.

Is there any way to run an automation (specifically "Copy rows to another sheet") based off a changed value via column formula INDEX / MATCH? My goal here is two fold: limit the number of columns added when copying rows, and provide a single sheet that collates multiple intake forms / sheets.

If the answer is No, as I'm expecting, I'll just establish a manual trigger. Thanks kindly all :)

Andrée Starå

Hi @Kyle Chipman

I hope you're well and safe!

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it's not possible now to trigger it by using cross-sheet formulas, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

Here's a possible workaround or workarounds 

• Copy/Move the row to the other sheet, which triggers the main Copy Row Workflow, and then you can have the trigger row either "deleted" by the Clear Cell Action or move it to an Archive or similar.
• You could also set up a recurring Workflow that could check once a day.

Is this what you're aiming for?

You could use cross-sheet formulas combined with either a VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH structure to connect the sheets, and when you update the source sheet, it will reflect on the destination sheet.

Another option would be to use so-called helper sheets. In short, copy the row to a helper sheet and then use my method described previously to get the values you need to another helper sheet and then copy/move the row from that sheet to the main destination sheet.

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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Andrée Starå

Hi @Kyle Chipman

I hope you're well and safe!

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it's not possible now to trigger it by using cross-sheet formulas, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

Here's a possible workaround or workarounds 

• Copy/Move the row to the other sheet, which triggers the main Copy Row Workflow, and then you can have the trigger row either "deleted" by the Clear Cell Action or move it to an Archive or similar.
• You could also set up a recurring Workflow that could check once a day.

Is this what you're aiming for?

You could use cross-sheet formulas combined with either a VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH structure to connect the sheets, and when you update the source sheet, it will reflect on the destination sheet.

Another option would be to use so-called helper sheets. In short, copy the row to a helper sheet and then use my method described previously to get the values you need to another helper sheet and then copy/move the row from that sheet to the main destination sheet.

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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

Andrée Starå

@Kyle Chipman

More info about why it doesn't work with cross-sheet formulas or cell-links.

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.

Kyle Chipman

Andrée,

Thanks so much for taking the time to dig in, including the citation of the infinite approval loops underpinning. I'll test the recurring once-a-day workflow to see if that hits the need. Obliged :)

Regards,

Kyle

Andrée Starå

@Kyle Chipman

Excellent!

You're more than welcome!