Learn about the built-in Table Lookup Tool available in Flows.
This article contains the following sections:
What is the Flows Table Lookup Tool and what does it do?
The Table Lookup tool in Knack Flows enables you to convert data values from one format to another by referencing a predefined table, ensuring compatibility between systems with different data structures.
Similar to a lookup table in spreadsheets, this tool is particularly useful when integrating systems that expect specific codes or values. For example, if one system records an order status as "Paid" and another expects it as a numeric code, Table Lookup can automatically map "Paid" to the correct code, preventing errors and keeping data consistent.
What challenges does the Table Lookup Tool address?
Consider a scenario where you’re managing customer data, and each customer’s subscription level is recorded in different formats across your systems—e.g., "Basic," "Pro," and "Enterprise" in Knack, but these are stored as levels 1, 2, and 3 in your analytics platform. Without a unified format, reporting on subscription levels becomes challenging.
Example using the Table Lookup Tool:
1. Trigger: The Flow is triggered whenever a customer’s subscription level is updated in Knack.
2. Retrieve Subscription Data: Flows pull the subscription level, labeled as text (e.g., "Pro") instead of the numeric code your analytics platform requires.
3. Table Lookup Tool: Here’s where the tool comes in. You would use Table Lookup to convert the label “Pro” to its numeric equivalent. For example:
- Look up “Pro” in the table and find the corresponding code (e.g., 2)
- Replace it with the numeric value for accurate tracking
Further Actions (Optional): You could use the Table Lookup tool to map other subscription levels or additional customer attributes to their respective codes, standardizing data before sending it to the analytics platform.
How to Access & Apply the Table Lookup Tool to Your Flows
After selecting the Flow where you want to utilize the Table Lookup Tool, identify the specific steps within the Flow that require the application of your desired conditions.
You can then add a Tool by clicking on the "+" button underneath each necessary step. Clicking the "Tool" option will allow you to select from a range of different tools Flows offers, including the Table Lookup Tool.
