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Power Apps
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LookUp Column Use

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Posted on by 1,265

Seems I am continually using LookUp columns to gather information from "related" lists.  Typically when I create a List or Form utilizing a LookUp, I add a 2nd column/field that is filled with the Text version of the LookUp value (updates 2nd column/field when Flow runs during record creation).  I then typically use the text field for comparison between key values (i.e., EquipID, RecID, etc.).

 

Is this the best method for utilizing the LookUp field when relating two or more Lists?  I use the LookUp versus the Choice due to availability to provide updates to the identifiers/choices.    

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  • WarrenBelz Profile Picture
    153,024 Most Valuable Professional on at

    Hi @RJF61 ,

    Firstly, you might have a read of this blog of mine on data structure. Unless you are using Lookup columns directly in SharePoint in "Edit in Grid View" mode, they are generally unnecessary (I do not use them as I have never found the need). Choice columns are a bit the same unless you want to store multiple values. This blog also has a process for managing choices.

    Both are complex field types (they are Tables) and have limitations you at times can do without compared with simply using Text fields to store your data (for instance you cannot Sort or query with StartsWith on either in a Delegable manner). Lookup columns also have added complexity writing back if you change the Items of a control using them where you can simply do the same query in Power Apps and write back to a Text field.

    Happy to elaborate further.

     

    Please click Accept as solution if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Thumbs Up.

    MVP (Business Applications)   Visit my blog Practical Power Apps

  • RJF61 Profile Picture
    1,265 on at

    Hello @WarrenBelz Can you provide some additional detail on how to handle "...in Power Apps and the data written back to a text field".

     

    As an example, I have an Employee List.  For some record entries, I make wish to LookUp the "Job Trade" or "Supervisor" based on the Employee Name.  How would that be more efficiently addressed?  

  • WarrenBelz Profile Picture
    153,024 Most Valuable Professional on at

    Hi @RJF61 ,

    Simply connect to the second list and do the Lookup there in Power Apps. For instance, using

    • 'Employee List' as the second list name, '
    • Employee' as the name in this list
    • 'Job Trade' as the field you are looking for in the list
    • A drop-down to select the employee in your Form connected to a Text field in your main list called EmployeeName.
    • A Text field for the Trade in your first list.

    As above the Items of your dropdown (called ddEmployee) could be simply from the second list

    Sort(
     'Employee List'.Employee,
     Employee
    )

    The Update of the data card (writing to the Text Field EmployeeName)

    ddEmployee.Selected.Employee

    The Default of the Text box connected to the Trade field in your main list.

    LookUp(
     'Employee List',
     Employee = ddEmployee.Selected.Employee
    ).'Job Trade'

    You then have two Text fields in your main list with the maximum Delegation potential.

     

    Please click Accept as solution if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Thumbs Up.

    MVP (Business Applications)   Visit my blog Practical Power Apps

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