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Automating the generation of a number

Hi,

I am trying to automate the generation of a unique number based on when an checkbox in a row is checked. I have a list of project titles in one column and checkboxes in another column. When I mark the checkbox in row 1 I want the number 1 to populate a third column. When I mark the checkbox in row 3 I want the number 2 to populate in that third column. And when I mark the checkbox in row 7 I want the number 3 to populate in that third column. And so on. I am running into a circular reference problem using my current method when i mark the row 4 checkbox. Any thoughts out there?

Thanks,

Jad

Screen Shot 2018-11-09 at 4.42.47 PM.png

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Comments

jkaram05

I'm open to not using this method and doing something else entirely.

Brian W

I could be wrong, but I don't think it's going to be possible. I think it would require a timestamp ability, which is a function that Smartsheet doesn't have.

Brian W

Actually, I just realized there is a timestamp function in the Modified date column. I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to use that to get the result you're looking for.

Andrée Starå

Hi Brian,

Unfortunately, it will probably not work because it updates as soon as something changes on the corresponding row.

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Andrée Starå

Hi Jad & Brian,

Something could maybe be set up with the help of a third party tool like Zapier or similar.

I would need even more details about the process to be able to figure out if it could work.

@Jad

Can you describe the process even more specifically?

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

jkaram05

Hi,

So I didn't have notifications set up which is why I never responded since a year ago. Anyways, this is what I'm trying to do.

We have a sheet that tracks a long list of film projects. The rows are moved up and down the sheet depending on what stage of development they transition into. We set up unique project codes for each project when they need to be set up in Accounting for payments. I need to be able to check a box in a row for a project when it is time to create the projects code (ie PROJE0001). But I need the system to work so that when I check a different project's box further down the list it gets a new code with a sequential number (ie PROJE0002). If I check yet another box at the top of the list above the other two checked boxes that project's codes should have the next number sequentially (ie PROJE0003). Then I need the codes to be locked regardless if the project name changes or the project moves to a different row. The number in the code should be based on when (ex the date/timestamp) the checkbox is marked.

I hope that helps explain things. If not, I'll try again.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts on making this work.

Thanks!

Andrée Starå

Hi,

I'll think it through and get back to you if I think of a solution.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

I hope that helps!

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

Andrée Starå

Did you get it working or do you still need help?

Have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée

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