Dynamic View Approval Workflow BEFORE cell data is allowed to change

Brandon_WA

I have a large sheet with 17 columns. I plan to build out a Dynamic View to limit what data is viewed and by whom.

I'd like to build out a revise-and-approve process for cell data. For example, let's assume the project lead needs to update the detailed description (Detailed Description column) of a project. I'd like to create an approval process for users to submit that change, but not update the "Detailed Description" column in the sheet until it is approved.

I've attempted to build out a new column (Revised Detailed Description) and add an automation trigger so that when the row data for "Revised Detailed Description" changes, it triggers an approval process. However, I cannot figure out how to then create an automation to replace the cell data in "Detailed Description" with what was approved in "Revised Detailed Description". I tried to add the column reference {{Revised Detailed Description}}, but it just replaces the text with {{Revised Detailed Description}} - it does not copy over the data in that cell under the Revised Detailed Description column.

Is there a way to accomplish what I am attempting to do? I want to retain the original data UNTIL someone "approves" the change, then have the automation replace any changes made in the Dynamic View for that row.

khasimbashashaik

Hey @Brandon_WA
What you're trying to do is a common approval use case, but Smartsheet automations can't dynamically copy a value from one column into another column after approval.

A common workaround is to use a helper column (such as "Approved Detailed Description") and either manually update the original field after approval or use Bridge to automate the value transfer. If you have Bridge, it can update the "Detailed Description" column with the approved value once the approval workflow is completed.

Without Bridge, this type of column-to-column value replacement isn't natively supported by standard automations.