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Workflow - Caught in a Loop

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Posted on by jellybelly74

I got caught in a loop in a workflow and I am trying so hard to get out of it!

I have 2 different lists. My first list collects the data, and at the end has a decision tree. based off of your selection, it will optionally:

Show the item as completed

Create a new item on a different list for further analysis.

My issue comes with Modifications to List 1 after it has been routed to list 2.

I am trying to get it to First check to see if it has already created an item in list 2, and if so, update it. If it has not already created an item in list 2 - create that item.

Every single modification is creating a new item - it always functions over to create an item rather than first checking to see if it has done so already and updating that item instead.

So, I have now built in a loop of my own.

Once you have created the item in list 2 - update list 1 with a "yes" to indicate you have done so already.

So my workflow now checks:

Do I have a yes in that column - if so, I update the item. if it does not have a yes in that column, create an item.

NOT WORKING. I have tried Is not equal to, is equal to, contains.. everything i can think of - moving these back and forth.

any ideas would be helpful.

Categories:

Building flows

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abm abm 33,004 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @jellybelly74

What's the field type of Workflow field?

Thanks
jellybelly74 2 on at

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Hi, I am googling to see how to answer you.

Sorry. I am a Newbie 😞

My SharePoint Mentor is on vacay at the worst possible time. LOL

I tried to add another layer or a secondary check last night to see if it would work and it did not.
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v-LilyW-msft Microsoft Employee on at

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Hi @jellybelly74
Do you want to check the item whether this item exists in list2, if it does not exist, create one, if it exists, just update it?
I set up a flow, you can refer to the screenshots below.
Here are my two test lists. And 'ProjectNumber' is unique.
Flow in details:
Expression:
length(outputs('Get_items')?['body/value'])
If yes, it means that there is no such item in list2, and need to create, otherwise, it means that the item exists in, just update it.
Save and test.
When the item is updated,the item in list2 will be updated.
When the item is updated, a new item will be created in list2.
Hope the content above may help you.
Best Regards
If my solution helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.