Flow Automatically Creates Foreach Loop

[rgbrasel]

I'm attempting to create a simple notification Flow. It waits for a SharePoint list item to be changed and for a field to equal "Completed." In the Yes branch, I'm attempting to fire off three emails whose body text is based on information collected in the list. The fields are choices and text. For some reason, when I add one of my text fields in the body text of the 3rd email, Flow decides that my email step needs to be encapsulated in a Foreach loop.

The wisdom of having software make automatic decisions on the logical structure of a workflow notwithstanding, does anyone know how to prevent this? Or am I going to have to create another workflow to send this email?

[ScottShearer]

@rgbrasel:

Can you post a screen shot of your Flow?  That will make it easier to assist.

Scott

[rgbrasel]

The foreach loop is automatically generated when I add the Technology Information Value to the Body Text. That column is a choice type that allows multiple selections.

Screenshot

[rgbrasel]

If it helps, this is part of the Yes branch following a Condition.

[rgbrasel]

The choice field is set up to display checkboxes and allow fill-in choices. I also just attempted to set a string variable based on that field, and the moment I tried to set the variable, it applied another foreach loop.

[ScottShearer · Accepted solution]

@rgbrasel:

If you reference a column that can have multiple values, Flow will automatically put you into a loop.  That's why it loops when you reference your choice column - check boxes mean you can select multiple values.  I don't know why this would happen for a text column - it should not.

One work around is to loop through the choice column and append each value to a string variable.  Then, reference the variable in the email.  The email should obviously be outside and after the loop.

If this answers your question, please mark your post as solved.

Scott

[rgbrasel]

Ah! That makes sense now. I'm going to attempt that and post the results. Tomorrow--my brain is getting a little tired.

[v-bacao-msft]

Hi @rgbrasel,

Have you had an opportunity to apply Scott’s workaround to adapt your Flow?

If your problem have been solved, please go ahead and mark your post as solved by clicking “Accept as Solution” so that this thread will be marked for other users to easily identify!

If you need further assistance, please feel free let me know.

Best Regards,

Barry