Hello,
I’m trying to create a short random number for a column value when an item is created using a workflow. Ideally, I’d like to create a random number of a specific length, say 4 digits. Is there a way to do this? I tried using ItemID and multiplying or using the RAND function in a formula column, but this regenerated when the board was refreshed and is also not usable in workflows or automations.
Hi Dan,
Have you tried the new feature of using a Custom Key as part of the Item ID?
The Custom key created is specific to each item on the board, and therefore if you move an item around the board, the unique ID will remain fixed to that item.
You can also set the length of the custom key numbering by selecting the number of leading zero that will be added to your custom key item ID. Once in the column settings, click on the “+ Show more” under the “Custom key” section, and select the number of leading zeros you require.
Read more here: https://support.monday.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001263345-The-Item-ID-Column
Or perhaps test Using a Formula with a Static Component:
While the formula column itself recalculates, you can combine it with a unique static component from another column to create a pseudo-random number.
For example, concatenate the last 4 digits of the Item ID with a static number or string.
Let me know with a like if this helped or reach back out for more ideas 
You can create a formula like this:
RANDBETWEEN(1000,9999 + 0 * {Item ID}) & ""
Then use a workflow to copy the value to a text column, like this:
Jim - The Monday Man
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@JCorrell Thank you! This is what I want to do, but I cannot seem to replicate what you have shown in the picture. In the “Change Column Value” settings on the right hand side, lest step, where it says “Item >> Formula | Step 1” I cannot seem to get this in my workflow action… could you describe how to enter that just a bit more?
@brateris “Formula” is the name of my formula column.
I just selected that column from the first action’s output list. See below. If the formula column you created is not shown, I’m guessing that there might be different versions of the workflow product. I’m not sure when formulas became available for me.
@JCorrell I was able to figure out what you meant… I was able to create a formula column and then copy that formula column to a non-formula column in the workflow. I thought I had read somewhere that formula columns were not accessible in workflows… and it seems that sometimes I cannot access them…
Good.
So, is it doing what you want now?
@JCorrell yes, it is, thank you!
I am still struggling with not being able to access formula and “Roll Up / Summary on Parent” column in Workflows. Any thoughts, or can you confirm that you are able to do this? Maybe I need to reach out to my Monday.com rep to see if I am on an older version of Workflows?
