Formula and Automation Race Condition

[cdedrington]

Hi - I'm looking for help with understanding airtable's automation logic.

In my table, I have a formula that takes a few fields and combines them to make a URL. One of those fields (call it "field X") is initially blank until a webhook later updates it. 

Additionally, I have an automation set up to trigger once field X is no longer blank (i.e. the webhook updated field X). This automation sends out an email with the URL in it, assuming that the URL was updated to include field X

Question is, does this create a possible race condition where the email automation could be fired off before the URL formula has time to update? I saw an instance where the email URL was incorrectly updated with field X so I'm trying to troubleshoot here. Any help would be appreciated!

[Andy_Lin1]

Generally, formulas operate faster than automations, but webhooks can be slower than either. If I'm understanding your situation correctly, I think you have a couple of options:

• change the automation trigger to point at the URL field, or both field X and URL field.
• change the URL field formula so that it's wrapped in IF({Field X}, [original formula])

That is, if all of your URLs use field X; if they don't, then you'd need some additional logic either in the automation or how your fields are set up.