How can I create automation rules that don't break when board names are changed?

[Ryan]

I have automation rules that reference boards by name. These rules all break any time the name of one of these boards changes.

Can't boards be referenced by ID?

[Mike - Dreamsuite Consulting]

Hi @Ryan 

Sadly not, its ridiculous really. 

You can at least vote for this request, for what it's worth...

https://jira.atlassian.com/browse/TRELLO-844  

I have shifted a lot of my automations outside of Trello now and use Make, Zapier or  n8n 

Pro's:

• Much much faster
• You can control the sequencing better, compared to the random execution of Trello automations
• You can do so much more because you have the entire Trello API to choose from, you definitely can avoid your issue above.
• Far easier to organise, control and document your automations

Con's:

• Trello automations are free and unlimited for premium users, this is almost unheard of for automation on any tool.  The ones above will come at a cost
• There is a learning curve for the automation tool
• The Trello API takes some time to get your head around and can be quite convoluted
• Additional 1-off work to replicate what you have

Recomendations:

• Zapier is by far the easiest tool to use to get up and running but becomes frustrating for more complex automations
• Make is my personal favourite. It is the right level of complexity and simplicity for me. Unlike Zapier, it is a steeper learning curve to begin with but becomes easier to use, the more complex the automations are
• n8n is more of a low-code automation tool, for me its too codey for me to get on with it too much. Steepest learning curve for sure

[Ryan]

Thanks - personally I'm a hard no on paying for other tools just to overcome Trello's shortcomings. I'll keep this in mind in case I ever have another reason to pay for those services.