I’ve got a big problem on my hands…
The company policy won’t let me open AppSheet in the browser using a company account.
I also can’t send interactive emails to the company inboxes.
But I still want to allow users to input data. So basically, I’ll just give them access to the Google Sheet to fill in the data. So far, so good!
Now, here’s where it gets interesting…
They need to be able to upload a PDF… Now you see where the problem starts!
I have no clue how to make it possible for them to upload a file, like I would do from the app, and honestly, it’s a huge issue…
I thought about using a link, but let’s be real… that’s not great.
If you’ve got a couple of seconds to help me solve this impossible problem, I’d be INFINITELY grateful!
(Of course, I already thought about using a form, but there are about 50 columns; I can’t ask them to re-enter everything each time…)
Hey Steve!
So, I’m actually giving them access to the Sheet that acts as our database.
The idea is to integrate everything into my app so I can create workflows and bots.
If I could, I’d set up an email with an embedded view for them to fill out the forms.
Not sure if I was clear, but basically, I’m looking for a way for them to add files to my app’s database without having direct access, since company policies block access to AppSheet…
@Samy_Kermia ,
Providing access to a data table is extremely dangerous. You will have no guarantee that the data structure will be preserved and that the expected types of values will be obtained.
Your issue is quite easily resolved by integrating the Google form. Here you also get the ability to add a PDF file. I have not used the recently implemented default feature in practice (adding G-form as data resource to Appsheet), but I have integrated quite a few forms directly over Googlesheets (that was the databases of G-forms) and it works great for several years. You will just need to work with this Googlesheets tables and create a couple of additional QUERY tables with some slices and grouping.
The benefit for you in this matter is the fact that app sheets connected to other services, and perhaps those other services your company is fine with.
People have suggested a Google form, that’s a clear definite path forward; you could also use a Google drive folder, which you can add to your app as data source.
I think the real task here is to change the perception of app sheet and get the ban lifted. I’m like 99% sure whatever their concerns are were based on ignorance and misunderstanding.
Why do they have an aversion to app sheet, while seemingly having no problem with other Google services?
Just because someone doesn’t understand what you’re doing doesn’t mean you should stop doing it.
I believe in AppSheet, and I’m trying to do things right. What I’m doing with AppSheet doesn’t bring money to my company or to myself. I just know it’s the “right” thing, that’s all…!
Has to be a ‘shadow IT’ sort of thing then. Your company already has IT people doing app stuff? If it’s a big IT department then I can understand they wouldn’t want any upstarts making them look bad
You possibly need a friend in IT at the company to have a chat with and find out their concerns with using Appsheet…maybe you could start a pilot use project or something with them?
