Automation "Preview" looks correct, but the Automation isn't working in "Real Lif

[M_L]

Hello,

I'd like to ask for help in troubleshooting an automation. I built an automation that works correctly when I "Generate a Preview". BUT, when I go to actually use it, the automation does NOT work. I.e., it does not update my live/active Base in the same way that it updated the Test Record. Actually, it appears to have done *nothing* to my Live Base, lol. Is this a common issue???

Specific Context for my Automation:

Table 1 is "Applications" where Client Application Forms are received. 

Table 2 is "Sessions" which lists all of the available time slots for Applicants to sign up for.

Table 3 is "SignUps" where SignUp Forms are received indicating a specific Application # is signing up for a specific Session. 

When someone completes a "SignUp" form it automatically includes the Session they're choosing as well as their Application # (through a Prefilled URL). I want the automation to add the Application # from the SignUp Form to the Sessions Table to finish the circle of Application -> SignUp -> Scheduled Session. 

I apologize if it's not clear, let me know how I can clarify. Thanks in advance for your help.

-ML

Screenshot of the Airtable "Generate a Preview" that shows "App-5" was successfully added to Linked Record field "LINKEDtoAPPS". (Hooray!) 

Screenshot of the Sessions Table after I run a "real life" scenario of the Automation, BUT the "LINKtoAPPS" column does NOT have an "APP-#" linked record in it like the "Generate Preview" example did. (Oh no!)

[TheTimeSavingCo]

Could you provide screenshots of your automation setup and the form submission table with an example form submisson's data?

[FarioConsulting]

Hi,
One thing I've found helpful in similar situations is splitting up your automations. You could have one automation trigger when a new SignUp Form comes in and handle any immediate updates needed. Then, create another automation that kicks in when there are changes to specific fields like 'Session' or 'Application #' in the Sessions table.

As such, each step of your process could manage its own real-time data effectively without missing anything. It’s a bit more streamlined and helps ensure everything works as intended when you're actually running it live

[M_L]

Hi @TheTimeSavingCo, No problem - Here are the screenshots, thanks!

Automation Overview 

Automation Step 1 

Automation Step 2

Sessions Table data

 

SignUps Table data

 

[M_L · Accepted solution]

Hey all,

I wanted to let you know I got the automation to work. I'm not 100% all of why, but it's now working correctly, which is great.

The automation I pasted above has two steps: 1) new record created and 2) update record. I got the automation to work by reverting to a previous approach I had tried (but oculdn't get to work) which added the step of "Find Record" between 1 and 2 above. I'm happy to report it's now working!

I still don't know why the automation approach I gave above in this thread was giving me the correct preview, but that's alright. You're welcome to share additional insights if you have them, but I wanted to clarify the original issue is resolved. 

ML