Can I add multiple labels in Trello automatically on import from Excel?

Question

I have a list template in Excel that I use to add the same tasks to Trello when a new project comes in. I have it concatenated so I can add the name of the new project to the list, I have one # label working for each of the tasks, but I want to be able to add another secondary label to the concatenated formula.

I can only get it to pick up one # label.

# # - picks up the second label

#,# - picks up the first label

## - picks up the first label

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to add 2 labels on import? And if so what format to use?

Thanks

Iain Dooley · Answer

@Vanessa Dwyer Hmm I'm not sure how you're doing the importing from Excel where it's picking up the label from the # symbol. Is that a power up?

However it also sounds like you might benefit from having a "board of boards". It sounds as though you have a job that comes in, and each job has 15 tasks, and each of those tasks in turn has separate labels and presumably moves through phases.

As such, it might actually be better to have a board for each job (maybe with different templates for each job type) with those boards having all the tasks for that job type on them.

Then you have a card for each job, which links to the board. What you could do is have a system where a template board based on job type were copied when you added a label to a job card.

Here's the Trellinator code to make that automation happen:

https://gist.github.com/iaindooley/ea6dc43e9b5b16fc4907a31338be209a

So the workflow would be:

1) Card gets created in your "Jobs Overview" board

2) You add the label for the package to the job card (Gold, Silver, Bronze etc.)

3) The relevant template board eg. Gold Template is copied to a new board with the same name as the card, and linked back to the card

4) This board is then added to a global command group, which would allow you to define some functionality for each board, for example when you move a card to "Done" post a comment to the job overview card that the task is complete or some other type of reporting

Your "tasks" that are currently coming in from Excel are then held inside your template boards, with the labels added to each of those cards as appropriate.

You can see how to install Trellinator here:

https://community.atlassian.com/t5/Marketplace-Apps-articles/Introducing-Trellinator-Automate-Trello-with-Google-Apps-Script/ba-p/925271

Vanessa Dwyer · Answer

Hi Iain.

I probably didn't explain very well. I use lists for my workflow, so when a new job comes in, all the tasks that go with that job are added in from an Excel list - 15 tasks for each job, saves time creating cards for each.

Each task has it's own label (some the same, only 10 labels!), but each job also gets a label dependingon the package the customer has purchased into. 3 packages - gold silver and bronze - all have their own label.

So each card needs 2 labels, one for the task and one for the purchased package.

In Excel I can concatenate the name of the job, and the task which I've already put the label # against, but I was hoping to be able to add in the # for the package as well - 2 birds with one concatenated formula!!

Cheers

Iain Dooley · Answer

@Vanessa Dwyer is there a reason why you're importing a template from Excel instead of creating a template board and copying it when starting a new project?