Copy rows automation (cross-sheet formulas involved)

Robert Bennett · 05/05/22

I'm creating a semiautonomous preventative maintenance ticketing system (fleet oil changes, tire rotations, etc.) that copies rows to a sheet for our mechanic based on when a piece of equipment needs the service.

The copy row automation is set to trigger when the mileage gets within 150 miles of scheduled service miles. However, the workflow never triggers.

Note...mileage is pulled from a separate sheet so there are cross-sheet formulas involved. Every time the vehicle is refueled, the operator enters the current mileage (through a form) on an expense sheet (mileage source sheet).

Also note...when mechanic completes the service (i.e. oil change), he add the current mileage at the time of service (This is also a cross-sheet formula). This is used to get the mileage for the next service (see attached).

Help...

Mike TV · 05/05/22

@Robert Bennett

Can we see the automation setup?

Robert Bennett · 05/05/22

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/328577#Comment_328577

Here you go. I've attached a picture of the helper column I'm using as the trigger. The formula for the helper column is: =IF([Hours Until Service]@row < 150, 1).

Screenshot 2022-05-05 163355 workflow.png

Screenshot 2022-05-05 162957 with helper.png

Thanks!

Mike TV · 05/05/22

@Robert Bennett

Are you sure it's not being copied over? I just recreated your sheet basically and setup the same formula and automation. When I clicked back over to the Equipment Maintenance sheet it was blank. I waited for a bit and it was still blank. I hit Refresh on the Equipment Maintenance sheet and poof there it was.

johngraham78 · 07/20/22

I've run into this same issue. It appears when automation is supposed to be triggered by formulas updating a value, it doesn't work. I've found a workaround though. Instead of the trigger being a changed value, have it be a day (and repeats daily), and put in a condition that matches your previous trigger. That is, your condition should be =IF([Hours Until Service]@row < 150, 1).

Copy rows automation (cross-sheet formulas involved)

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