We use a Formula column in our Monday CRM boards to generate a lead/client score based on sensitive financial data stored in hidden Text columns (only visible to board owners). This allows us to grade leads without exposing sensitive details to the entire sales team.
However, we’ve discovered that since the sales team members can’t see the hidden columns, they also can’t see the Formula column—even though it’s set as viewable to all. This seems illogical, as the Formula column itself doesn’t display the sensitive data—only the resulting score.
Ideally, board permissions should allow the Formula column to remain visible to all, regardless of whether it references hidden data. Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this!
I can understand your frustration here and I agree that it can seem idiosyncratic. However, consider this: what if formula columns could show sensitive data? How would you control that and avoid accidentally revealing data that you thought was restricted? I think on the whole, it’s probably a really good thing that permissions are managed in this way. It gives you control.
Now as for your problem, how can we solve it? My first question would be why is it hidden? If it’s part of a formula recipe, then surely that data could be accessible to your sales team. In any case, they would be able to get an idea of the quantity based on the grading, so perhaps the simplest way is to expose that column.
If that isn’t an option, maybe you could produce something with an automation. You can use numeric conditions to change statuses (i.e. and ONLY IF number is greater than, and ONLY IF number is less than), which might help you to set a status for lead grading, rather than use a formula.
There’s likely to be a creative solution. If you’d like some help, please feel free to reach out or book a meeting (my calendar link is in my profile).