Dynamic content not available for Number type columns in sharepoint?

[SharepointRex]

I am building very simple flow to "Get info from a selected row from an excel table, and "Create a new Item in a sharepoint list".

But for any of the number type columns - there is no dynamic content available. One workaround from your forums is to convert these columns from number to text - but that creates a lot of problems with the list in our case because Unfortunately these number columns are used in calculations on the sharepoint list - when I convert the columns to text - the column using the data for some of the calculations use less than "<" and Greater Than ">" and can not use text, without complex changes to the formula. ( a lot of work and complexity - surely there is a better way?)

Is there a known work around to get numbers into a number type of column when using "flow"?

Appreciate suggestions and advice

You can see that the get action from excel (for business) has the information, but the problem is with the action of creating item in the sharepoint list. In the example below - I have clicked on a "text type of column", and can find the material size data from the excel get action, but when I click on the material size column in the create sharepoint item column (which is a number type of column) there is no dynamic contant available as shown above.

[v-bacao-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @SharepointRex ,

Could you provide a full screenshot of the Flow configuration?

• Basically, if you can't get the expected one in Dynamic content list, consider using Expression directly to configure this field.

Like:

You could also use float() function to convert it to a number value, as below:

float(triggerBody()['entity']['MAT SIZE'])

Use Compose to type in Dynamic content you want to use first, and then see what Expression that makes up it is.

• Another available method is to first input Dynamic content you want to use into Compose, and then fill Compose in the corresponding field.

Please take a try.

Best Regards,

[SharepointRex]

Thanks for your suggestions.

To give you some feedback - I have not tested all options but have trialled the first 2 options suggested: triggerBody()[''][''] but the flow fails - here is the errror message: Unable to process template language expressions in action 'Create_item' inputs at line '1' and column '1990': 'The template language expression 'triggerBody()['entity']['MAT SIZE']' cannot be evaluated because property 'MAT SIZE' doesn't exist, available properties are .......... etc.

I have tried float option also but similar error message: Unable to process template language expressions in action 'Create_item' inputs at line '1' and column '1990': 'The template language expression 'float(triggerBody()['entity']['MAT SIZE'])' cannot be evaluated because property 'MAT SIZE' doesn't exist, available properties are .....etc

I will try the next option soon and report back soon. Thank you for your suggestions this far.

[wi11iamr]

HAve you any feedback on this? I'm having same problem in atht I have Datatype Number in my Sharepoint List and when trying to insert new records to my list the Dynamic Content dialog box does not display any of my Excel columns within my worksheet.

[SharepointRex]

@wi11iamrThanks for asking. I have recieved the reply in the post from @v-bacao-msft and the first 2 suggestions to use expressions (triggerBody() or float()) did not work - and  I tested again tonight - and they still don't, and I can't explain why that would be.

But the Compose method works great. I have a few of the number columns setup using Compose methos that are not working - I am not yet sure why - when the entry is made to the sharepoint list - a couple are empty where they should have a number.

But at least 95% of them are working.

So My conclusiong is that this method works.

My only other tip is to be OCD minded about the names of each compose or it could get very difficult if you have say 10 or more compose actions to look after each number column.

Example by default Compose titles them Compose, then Compose 1, and Compose 2 & so on - you may want to title it "Compose $RRP" for example, and the Next one "Compose $TradePrice" or something like that. 

[wi11iamr]

Thanks @SharepointRex, I appreciate the followup.

I tried playing with the COMPOSE function but didn't seem to get much traction.

The route I chose was to instead use the Expression builder and I added all my numeric values by using the syntax:

items('Apply_To_Each_Container_Name')?['ColumnName']

[Pavetl]

I think I got an easier solution. Let all columns in sharepoint in text format, so once you are in flow you can add the dynamic expresion. Then once the list is active just go back to sharepoint and edit the column into desired format (number, currency). The flow will remain active.