Run workflow manually

Paul Stockdale

I'm trying to manually run a workflow. The help doc says "Go to the workflow and then click Run". I click Automation | Manage Workflows from the menu, but I can't see the Run option against the workflow I need to run.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Paul Stockdale

I hope you're well and safe!

Unfortunately, it's not possible to manually run a Workflow in the Workflow window, 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. It could be a checkbox and then set the Workflow to trigger from the checkbox getting checked off.

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Have a fantastic weekend & Happy New Year!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Paul Stockdale

Thanks Andrée. I'll try your workaround. But if it's not possible, why does the help doc state that workflows can be run at any time? Link to help doc below...

https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/2482378-edit-manual-run-delete-data-shuttle-workflow

Andrée Starå

@Paul Stockdale

Happy to help!

The article you shared is for the Premium app, Data Shuttle. Is that what you're using?

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Paul Stockdale

I've no idea what version we're using. I'll check with our IT team. Thanks again for your help.

Andrée Starå

@Paul Stockdale

You're more than welcome!

You're probably using the standard Workflow feature.

More info:

https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/2479061-automate-processes-end-to-end-with-visual-workflows

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mdcatlett

I'm having a similar problem. I used to be able to run a particular workflow manually, but now I can't find any way to do that. I set it up as a manual trigger more than a year ago. Help sheet information I can find refers to 'Bridge' and 'Data Shuttle' users, but what about plain old Smartsheet users? Did we get shut out of manual workflow triggers?

mcarman

I also second this and agree that a run feature would be very helpful. Setting up and testing automations before making them live is painful. If you have time-based triggers you have to wait minimum of an hour to "test" something and it doesn't always run. I get that the automation is probably added to a periodic job queue to lessen the demand on the server but there has to be a better way of testing workflows than waiting forever or making hacky helper columns. Hopefully this feature is returned/added in.