cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
NewOzzie
Regular Visitor

Create a Matrix type input in PowerApps (like an Excel sheet)

Hi All

 

We have a situation where we would like to allow users to populate data in a PowerApp using a matrix style input. By this I mean that each row in the gallery represents an entity (say a person) and the columns represent dates with the value being a value (e.g. time worked). Effectively each CELL (not row) is a record in the SQL database behind this.

 

Is this possible out of the box or via a 3rd party addin?

 

See the picture here for an example

2019-10-30_10-28-46.png

Thanks,

Craig

22 REPLIES 22
mdevaney
Super User
Super User

@NewOzzie 

It can be done using a gallery but there's no way it can be explained here on the forum.  You would be best served by watching this Youtube tutorial instead.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgznk4XlPCo

---
Please click "Accept as Solution" if my post answered your question so that others may find it more quickly. If you found this post helpful consider giving it a "Thumbs Up."

johnnyshield
Advocate III
Advocate III

I have described how to do this in the next post, image and video in the one after (this post was a duplicate)

johnnyshield
Advocate III
Advocate III

Hi, so I have created an app that does this, turns out I can't post images / or youtube links without this post being rejected.

 

You have to group the data manually to get it into a matrix shape, then unfold it again once you're done. Because this is manual, you want to limit the number of columns you want to view in the app, as each column means repeating code. I chose 7, as we're looking at week long blocks of data.

 

Steps involved

1. Load filtered SharePoint list data into a collection on app start (so you're only getting 500 rows) - put this in App Start

 

// Set today's date
Set(var_date, Today());

// Collect data from SharePoint list (filter this appropriately)
ClearCollect(Col_timesheet, SharePointList)​

 

 

2. Set a target date (var_date), then set variables for the Mon - Sun dates; I have a datepicker to change the var_date as well

 

// Set the dates of the selected week, used in the gallery
Set(var_mon,var_date-Weekday(var_date,MondayZero));
Set(var_tue,var_date+1-Weekday(var_date,MondayZero));
Set(var_wed,var_date+2-Weekday(var_date,MondayZero));
etc.​

 

 

3. Pivot your data into a matrix shaped collection; this and step 2 are on a date change button ("Jump" in my video)

 

// Use GroupBy and AddColumns to move this into matrix format. The filter chops off the data based on the Monday - Sunday range to be displayed.
ClearCollect(Col_WeekMatrix, 
AddColumns(GroupBy(Filter(Col_timesheet,(Date >= var_mon) && (Date <= var_sun)),"Title","GroupedData"),
"Mon",First(Filter(GroupedData,var_mon=Date)),
"Tue",First(Filter(GroupedData,var_tue=Date)),
etc.​

//For this to work as an editable gallery, you can only have one entry per Title per date (hence First entry), you will need to sort out error handling for duplicates if they exist. If you are just reporting totals, replace First with Sum.

 

 

4. Create a gallery

 

//Gallery contents
Col_WeekMatrix​

 

 

5. Add a label in your gallery to display the row titles

 

//Row labels
ThisItem.Title​

 

 

6. Add 7 text inbox boxes in your gallery, to show the values for the days of the week. In my case I am displaying the timesheet hours booked.

 

//Text input box for Monday
ThisItem.Mon.Hours

//Text input box for Tuesday
ThisItem.Tue.Hours
etc.​

 

 

7. It is much easier for the PowerApp developer to patch each item OnChange, however I have found that it kills the app performance, you lose your text input focus and it screws up tab order. Instead I have a save button outside the gallery, which saves the gallery edits to a list shaped collection, which can be patched back to SharePoint.

 

//Create the list shaped table that can be patched back to SharePoint
Clear(Col_PatchBack);

// We are only patching back changes, so filter the gallery based on changes vs the matrix shaped collection that fed into the gallery
// You need to repeat this for each day (column) and append it to the list - there is no programmatic way to loop within PowerApps (Flow could do it)

Collect(
    Col_PatchBack,
    ForAll(
        GalleryTimesheetWeek.AllItems,
        If(
            Mon.Hours <> Value(TextInput_Mon.Text),
            {
                pbTitle: Label_Title.Text,
                pbHours: Value(TextInput_Mon.Text),
                pbID: Mon.ID,
                pbDate: var_mon,
            }
        )
    )
);

// Repeat the above code block 6 more times, changing Mon to Tue etc.​

 

 

8. You now have a collection shaped like your source list, which you can patch back to SharePoint or your datasource. I don't think you can use Patch alone, as you won't have all the same columns (well I couldn't get it to work!). I use pb... prefix so I don't have to think about disambiguation problems. 

 

// Clean up SharePoint list by removing any new zero hours records
RemoveIf(
    SharePointList,
    ID exactin ( Filter(
        Col_PatchBack,
        Or(
            pbHours = 0,
            IsBlank(pbHours),
            IsEmpty(pbHours)
        )
    ).pbID)
);

// Then remove the same records from the patchback collection
RemoveIf(
    Col_PatchBack,
    Or(
        pbHours = 0,
        IsBlank(pbHours),
        IsEmpty(pbHours)
    )
);

// Update existing items in SharePoint
ForAll(
    Filter(Col_PatchBack, Not(IsBlank(pbID))),
    UpdateIf(
        SharePointList,
        ID = pbID,
        {
            Hours: If(IsBlank(pbHours),0,pbHours),
            Date: pbDate,
        }
    )
);

// Finally add new items to SharePoint
ForAll(
    Filter(Col_PatchBack, IsBlank(pbID)),
    Patch(
        SharePointList,
        Defaults(SharePointList),
        {
            Title: pbTitle,
            Hours: If(IsBlank(pbHours),0,pbHours),
            Date: pbDate,
        }
    )
);​

 

*if someone can improve my code, please let me know. e.g. Remove / RemoveIf delegation issue.


There's a bunch of other stuff in the app, which I won't detail like using a timer to save back to SharePoint before refresh; some error handling; setting current user and patching that back to SharePoint. Let me know if you need a hand.

 

Cheers, Johnny

Hey @johnnyshield ,

This is a good sharing. 

However, since I am still a novice Powerapps developer, I cannot perfectly visualize the steps that you have made.

I would like to suggest if you could share how this can be done via a youtube tutorial so people like me can benefit the best from your sharing.

 

Thanks!

 

"I am a Novice Developer, but I am willing to learn from anybody"

Hi @johnnyshield 

 

Very interesting! Thanks! 

 

Is it also possible with competences/tasks instead of dates? How can I do that?

 

Youtube video will be very handy! Thanks a lot!!

 

CD

If you have a column in your source list called tasks, you would do it something like this - replacing step 3

 

// Use GroupBy and AddColumns to move this into matrix format.
ClearCollect(Col_WeekMatrix, AddColumns(GroupBy(Col_timesheet,"Title","GroupedData"),
"Task 1",First(Filter(GroupedData,var_task1=Task)),
"Task 2",First(Filter(GroupedData,var_task2=Task)),
etc.

 

Along the top of the gallery, where I have Mon - Sun, you would have your tasks listed out (or selectable in dropdowns); which match the tasks you can select in the source list column. Set var_task1 etc. to each of these.

rahulswimmer
Helper II
Helper II

@johnnyshield I am a little confused with your logic of moving dates back to rows (to match the source structure). Its doesn't work. Can we please connect ?

Hi, which step are you having trouble with?

Helpful resources

Announcements

Exclusive LIVE Community Event: Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat with Copilot Studio Product Team

  It's time for the SECOND Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat featuring the Copilot Studio product team, which will be held LIVE on April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).     This is an incredible opportunity to connect with members of the Copilot Studio product team and ask them anything about Copilot Studio. We'll share our special guests with you shortly--but we want to encourage to mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss the conversation.   This live event will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about Copilot Studio plans, where we’ll focus, and get insight into upcoming features. We’re looking forward to hearing from the community, so bring your questions!   TO GET ACCESS TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AMA: Kudo this post to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot now by kudoing this post.  Reservations will be prioritized on when your kudo for the post comes through, so don't wait! Click that "kudo button" today.   Invitations will be sent on April 2nd.Users posting Kudos after April 2nd. at 9AM PDT may not receive an invitation but will be able to view the session online after conclusion of the event. Give your "kudo" today and mark your calendars for April 3rd, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT and join us for an engaging and informative session!

Tuesday Tip: Unlocking Community Achievements and Earning Badges

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!     THIS WEEK'S TIP: Unlocking Achievements and Earning BadgesAcross the Communities, you'll see badges on users profile that recognize and reward their engagement and contributions. These badges each signify a different achievement--and all of those achievements are available to any Community member! If you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you too can earn badges for the great work you do. Check out some details on Community badges below--and find out more in the detailed link at the end of the article!       A Diverse Range of Badges to Collect The badges you can earn in the Community cover a wide array of activities, including: Kudos Received: Acknowledges the number of times a user’s post has been appreciated with a “Kudo.”Kudos Given: Highlights the user’s generosity in recognizing others’ contributions.Topics Created: Tracks the number of discussions initiated by a user.Solutions Provided: Celebrates the instances where a user’s response is marked as the correct solution.Reply: Counts the number of times a user has engaged with community discussions.Blog Contributor: Honors those who contribute valuable content and are invited to write for the community blog.       A Community Evolving Together Badges are not only a great way to recognize outstanding contributions of our amazing Community members--they are also a way to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. As you continue to share your knowledge and assist each other these badges serve as a visual representation of your valuable contributions.   Find out more about badges in these Community Support pages in each Community: All About Community Badges - Power Apps CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Automate CommunityAll About Community Badges - Copilot Studio CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Pages Community

Tuesday Tips: Powering Up Your Community Profile

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!   This Week's Tip: Power Up Your Profile!  🚀 It's where every Community member gets their start, and it's essential that you keep it updated! Your Community User Profile is how you're able to get messages, post solutions, ask questions--and as you rank up, it's where your badges will appear and how you'll be known when you start blogging in the Community Blog. Your Community User Profile is how the Community knows you--so it's essential that it works the way you need it to! From changing your username to updating contact information, this Knowledge Base Article is your best resource for powering up your profile.     Password Puzzles? No Problem! Find out how to sync your Azure AD password with your community account, ensuring a seamless sign-in. No separate passwords to remember! Job Jumps & Email Swaps Changed jobs? Got a new email? Fear not! You'll find out how to link your shiny new email to your existing community account, keeping your contributions and connections intact. Username Uncertainties Unraveled Picking the perfect username is crucial--and sometimes the original choice you signed up with doesn't fit as well as you may have thought. There's a quick way to request an update here--but remember, your username is your community identity, so choose wisely. "Need Admin Approval" Warning Window? If you see this error message while using the community, don't worry. A simple process will help you get where you need to go. If you still need assistance, find out how to contact your Community Support team. Whatever you're looking for, when it comes to your profile, the Community Account Support Knowledge Base article is your treasure trove of tips as you navigate the nuances of your Community Profile. It’s the ultimate resource for keeping your digital identity in tip-top shape while engaging with the Power Platform Community. So, dive in and power up your profile today!  💪🚀   Community Account Support | Power Apps Community Account Support | Power AutomateCommunity Account Support | Copilot Studio  Community Account Support | Power Pages

Super User of the Month | Chris Piasecki

In our 2nd installment of this new ongoing feature in the Community, we're thrilled to announce that Chris Piasecki is our Super User of the Month for March 2024. If you've been in the Community for a while, we're sure you've seen a comment or marked one of Chris' helpful tips as a solution--he's been a Super User for SEVEN consecutive seasons!       Since authoring his first reply in April 2020 to his most recent achievement organizing the Canadian Power Platform Summit this month, Chris has helped countless Community members with his insights and expertise. In addition to being a Super User, Chris is also a User Group leader, Microsoft MVP, and a featured speaker at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference. His contributions to the new SUIT program, along with his joyous personality and willingness to jump in and help so many members has made Chris a fixture in the Power Platform Community.   When Chris isn't authoring solutions or organizing events, he's actively leading Piasecki Consulting, specializing in solution architecture, integration, DevOps, and more--helping clients discover how to strategize and implement Microsoft's technology platforms. We are grateful for Chris' insightful help in the Community and look forward to even more amazing milestones as he continues to assist so many with his great tips, solutions--always with a smile and a great sense of humor.You can find Chris in the Community and on LinkedIn. Thanks for being such a SUPER user, Chris! 💪🌠

Find Out What Makes Super Users So Super

We know many of you visit the Power Platform Communities to ask questions and receive answers. But do you know that many of our best answers and solutions come from Community members who are super active, helping anyone who needs a little help getting unstuck with Business Applications products? We call these dedicated Community members Super Users because they are the real heroes in the Community, willing to jump in whenever they can to help! Maybe you've encountered them yourself and they've solved some of your biggest questions. Have you ever wondered, "Why?"We interviewed several of our Super Users to understand what drives them to help in the Community--and discover the difference it has made in their lives as well! Take a look in our gallery today: What Motivates a Super User? - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

March User Group Update: New Groups and Upcoming Events!

  Welcome to this month’s celebration of our Community User Groups and exciting User Group events. We’re thrilled to introduce some brand-new user groups that have recently joined our vibrant community. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of engaging events you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in: New User Groups   Sacramento Power Platform GroupANZ Power Platform COE User GroupPower Platform MongoliaPower Platform User Group OmanPower Platform User Group Delta StateMid Michigan Power Platform Upcoming Events  DUG4MFG - Quarterly Meetup - Microsoft Demand PlanningDate: 19 Mar 2024 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Dive into the world of manufacturing with a focus on Demand Planning. Learn from industry experts and share your insights. Dynamics User Group HoustonDate: 07 Mar 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Houston, get ready for an immersive session on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your knowledge. Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)Date: 05 Mar 2024 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM GMT Standard TimeDescription: Join our virtual meetup for insightful discussions, demos, and community updates. Let’s kick off Q1 with a bang! Leaders, Create Your Events!    Leaders of existing User Groups, don’t forget to create your events within the Community platform. By doing so, you’ll enable us to share them in future posts and newsletters. Let’s spread the word and make these gatherings even more impactful! Stay tuned for more updates, inspiring stories, and collaborative opportunities from and for our Community User Groups.   P.S. Have an event or success story to share? Reach out to us – we’d love to feature you!

Top Solution Authors
Top Kudoed Authors
Users online (5,406)