In our daily workflows, automation triggers play a crucial role. They automate tasks to run whenever specific conditions are met, saving our time and effort. However, we may encounter some limitations when using these triggers. For instance, AITable.ai currently does not offer an “Update Record” automation trigger.
So, how can we achieve a similar effect without this particular trigger? The answer lies in leveraging the “Record Matches Conditions” trigger. This article will guide you through how “Record Matches Conditions” can mimic the “Update Record” effect.
Understanding Airtable’s Automation Trigger: When Record Matches Conditions
Before we start, let’s first understand what the “When Record Matches Conditions” trigger is. This is a trigger that initiates an automation to run anytime a record in a specified table matches one or more configured conditions. For example, an automation task, such as sending an email to team members, could be triggered when a record’s status changes to “Complete”.
When using this trigger, there are some considerations to keep in mind. First, the trigger will run when a record matches the conditions you define in a particular automation’s configuration. Second, records that currently match the set conditions will not cause the trigger to fire. In other words, records must change states to match the conditions for the trigger to start the automation.
How “Record Matches Conditions” Can Mimic “Update Record”
Even though AITable.ai currently does not offer an “Update Record” automation trigger, we can achieve a similar effect using “Record Matches Conditions”. Specifically, you can set it to activate when a {specific field} ‘is not empty’, as shown in the picture below. Then, each time you update the {specific field}, as long as the field is not empty, the automation will be triggered.
For instance, suppose you have a table for tracking project statuses. You want an automation task, like notifying the project manager, to be triggered each time a project status changes. In this case, you can set a condition that triggers the automation when the project status field is not empty. This way, each time the project status changes, as long as the status field is not empty, the automation will be triggered.
Setting Up an Automation to Trigger When a Record Matches Conditions
Now, let’s take a look at how to set up an automation to trigger when a record matches conditions.
Step 1: Create Automation Node
Click the “add” icon at the top left corner to view the list can be created:
To create an automation node, click on “New automation” in the list. An Automation node will then be created and jump to the Automation Configuration panel.
Step 2: Configure the triggers and actions
Trigger Select Record Matches Conditions.
Select a datasheet in current space. Then,select match conditions: Add one or more matching conditions.
Next, you can add actions that are required for the automation.
Step 3: Enable the automation
Once you have configured and saved the triggers and actions, the final step is to enable the automation.
Conclusion
Even though AITable.ai does not offer an “Update Record” automation trigger, we can achieve a similar effect with “Record Matches Conditions”. This provides us with greater flexibility and freedom, allowing us to customize automation tasks according to our needs. We look forward to AITable.ai offering more automation triggers in the future to meet our diverse needs.