Simplified Conditional Date Computation in Workflow Automation

Problem Analysis

The given code is a nested conditional expression, possibly for use in a workflow automation tool like Microsoft Power Automate or a similar platform. The primary goal is to compute a date based on certain conditions:

1. If PS_ID equals '3', add a certain number of days (ER_PT) to APD and return the result.
2. If EFT is empty, add the same number of days (ER_PT) to APD and return the result.
3. If neither condition is met, return EPT.

Previous Attempts Analysis

The existing nested conditional structure is valid but slightly complex and may affect readability. The usage of conditional operators and nested If statements is correct, but it can be simplified to enhance readability and maintainability.

Solution Development

To enhance readability and maintainability, we can refactor the nested conditional structure. This can be accomplished by using a more straightforward series of if-else statements in a pseudo-code style that your specific automation platform supports.

Refactored Solution

Below is the refactored solution as pseudocode. Please replace this structure with the appropriate equivalent in your automation tool:

Pseudo-code for Workflow Automation

If equals(items('Apply_to_each')?['PS_ID'], '3') Then Set Result to addDays(items('Apply_to_each')?['APD'], int(body('Select_3')?[0]?['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd') Else If equals(empty(items('Apply_to_each')?['EFT']), true) Then Set Result to addDays(items('Apply_to_each')?['APD'], int(body('Select_3')?[0]?['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd') Else Set Result to items('Apply_to_each')?['EPT'] EndIf EndIf

Practical Implementation

Below is the equivalent structure in a simplified JSON-like expression syntax, assuming the use of Microsoft Power Automate:

{
  "expression": {
    "if": [
      {
        "equals": [
          {
            "items": {
              "Apply_to_each": "PS_ID"
            }
          },
          3
        ]
      },
      {
        "addDays": [
          {
            "items": {
              "Apply_to_each": "APD"
            }
          },
          {
            "int": {
              "body": {
                "Select_3": [
                  0,
                  "ER_PT"
                ]
              }
            }
          },
          "yyyy-MM-dd"
        ]
      },
      {
        "if": [
          {
            "equals": [
              {
                "empty": {
                  "items": {
                    "Apply_to_each": "EFT"
                  }
                }
              },
              true
            ]
          },
          {
            "addDays": [
              {
                "items": {
                  "Apply_to_each": "APD"
                }
              },
              {
                "int": {
                  "body": {
                    "Select_3": [
                      0,
                      "ER_PT"
                    ]
                  }
                }
              },
              "yyyy-MM-dd"
            ]
          },
          {
            "items": {
              "Apply_to_each": "EPT"
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Code Development

The above JSON-like structure should be adapted to the specific syntax used in your automation tool. If you're using Microsoft Power Automate, the nested 'if' and 'equals' functions should conform to its expression language. Here's how to implement it in Power Automate's formula language:

if(
  equals(items('Apply_to_each')['PS_ID'], '3'),
  addDays(items('Apply_to_each')['APD'], int(body('Select_3')[0]['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd'),
  if(
    equals(empty(items('Apply_to_each')['EFT']), true),
    addDays(items('Apply_to_each')['APD'], int(body('Select_3')[0]['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd'),
    items('Apply_to_each')['EPT']
  )
)

Example Usage

To use this in a workflow, you would set a variable or the output field to the result of this expression. Here's a practical example:

1. Trigger: When an item is created or modified in a SharePoint list.
2. Action: Apply the conditional logic to compute a date and store it in a new column.

variables('ComputedDate') = if( equals(items('Apply_to_each')['PS_ID'], '3'), addDays(items('Apply_to_each')['APD'], int(body('Select_3')[0]['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd'), if( equals(empty(items('Apply_to_each')['EFT']), true), addDays(items('Apply_to_each')['APD'], int(body('Select_3')[0]['ER_PT']), 'yyyy-MM-dd'), items('Apply_to_each')['EPT'] ) )

Assign variables('ComputedDate') to your desired field or variable in your workflow.

Conclusion

This solution simplifies the nested conditional logic ensuring better readability and maintainability. Additionally, it adheres to contemporary best practices in code structuring within workflow automation contexts. For further learning, consider exploring advanced expressions and workflow management techniques on the Enterprise DNA Platform.