Error message with Approval step

[paulb4]

Hi everyone,

I really hope someone will be able to help me given I can't seem to find the solution.

I use Power Automate since a really short time but I need to build something for my work and it has to be done asap so I'm getting frustrated!!

So here's my issue:

I built a flow which contain an Approval. The approval email is sent and I customized the possible answers, no problem with this step.

Then I want that if the person approve, another email is sent to someone else. If he decline, an email is sent to the person who filled the form saying "It's declined, blah blah blah..."

InvalidTemplate. Unable to process template language expressions for action 'Condition_2' at line '1' and column '2855': 'The template language function 'startsWith' expects its first parameter to be of type string. The provided value is of type 'Array'. Please see https://aka.ms/logicexpressions#startswith for usage details.'.

Sorry but I have NO IDEA what the line and column are referring to and I have no idea what I miss here.

Given I can't share a picture of what I built (I think), I'll try to explain it:

-First the user fill a form

-Then depending on his answer to one particular question, 3 different emails are sent to 3 different people and one of the email is an Approval

-If Approved, then an email is sent to another person/If Declined, the user receive an email saying it can't be done

The steps are:

1-When a new response is submitted

2-Condition Yes/No (No leads nowhere)

3-In 'Yes':Send an email (1), Send an email (2), Start and wait for an approval

4-The below the Approval line, there's a Condition Yes/No

'Yes'=Send an email (3)

'No'=Send an email (4)

A big thank you in advance!!

Your help will be much appreciated!

[LeeHarris]

Hi @paulb4 

Check what Condition 2 is doing in your Flow. The error message that you have provided suggests that the left hand side value is not exactly what you are expecting it to be. It sounds like you are checking whether a value starts with "Yes"? The value on the left of the condition needs to be a string (a text value) in order for this condition to work. You are currently using an array (a list of items) which means the Starts with condition throws the error. It may just be that you have used the wrong Dynamic Value in that particular condition.

Hope that helps.

[efialttes · Accepted solution]

Hi!

Can you share a screenshot of your current flow design, so we can see the inputs you assigned to your 'Condition' action block?

As @LeeHarris says, it seems your step 4-The below the Approval line, there's a Condition Yes/No is not evaluating 'Outcome' but another dynamic content of type array instead... If so, try by using 'Outcome'

Thanx!

[paulb4]

Hello,

Thank you, it works now!!!!

The helps I got online said you must configure "Response" right after the Approval step but in fact it is "Outcome".

I confirm "Response" doesn't work here.

I have another question though.

When I test it, so I go on my form and fill the answers and press the validation button. I have to wait maybe 30 minutes for the first email to be send. Is there something to modify in order to make it go immediatly?

I have no idea what I'm supposed to show you if info are needed...

Again, thank you!

[paulb4]

Sorry I have another issue.

It works when the approval answer is APPROVED but it doesn't work when it's DENIED.

When it's denied, I want an email to be sent to the person who filled the form in the first place, and it fails, it says it tries to send to 'anonymous'.

I try to attach pictures to show you but I'm not sure it'll work, sorry.

Thanks again in advance! 😄

Paul

[efialttes]

HURRAY!

IT WORKS!

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