Populating word template with nested tables

Anonymous · ‎02-06-2023

I'm trying to populate a word document in a sub-grid/nested style.

I have two tables, objectives and actions. Each objective can have several actions. Objective is the parent of actions.

I want my work document to populate as shown below.

Objectives are listed, with the high-level details being number, name, and description, and then actions associated with the objective are listed before the next objective starts.

In Power automate, i have two array variables; objectives and actions.

I iterate over the records in the objectives table, and for each objective, i list the associated actions and iterate over them, appending the action details to my actions array. Then I append the objective details, including the actions array to the objectives array. Then I clear the actions array, ready for the next objective's actions.

The objectives array ends up looking something like this:

[
  {
    "objectivenumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0005",
    "objectivename": "Decrease panic for planned emergency drills",
    "objectivedescription": "Careful preparation, planning and regular practice drills are designed to equip staff to react quickly and calmly, to act in a coordinated and thoughtful manner and to minimize the risk of harm to all present, particularly children, in the event of an emergency. The aim is to reduce fear, panic and trauma.",
    "actions": [
      {
        "actionnumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0005-ACT-0000",
        "actionname": "Notify staff with emergency action plan 2023",
        "actionduedate": "2023-02-22T13:00:00Z",
        "actionowner": "2f0c6a39-932b-ed11-9db2-0022481563ba"
      },
      {
        "actionnumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0005-ACT-0001",
        "actionname": "Notify students with emergency action plan 2023",
        "actionduedate": "2023-02-06T13:00:00Z",
        "actionowner": "1e0286e5-bb34-ed11-9db2-002248157ced"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "objectivenumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0006",
    "objectivename": "Prevent unauthorized people from entering facilities",
    "objectivedescription": "Unauthorized access may be gained by an outsider as well as by an in-house employee. Both physical access to a building by a stranger or entry to a server room by a staff member with no permission are examples of unauthorized physical access. ",
    "actions": [
      {
        "actionnumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0006-ACT-0002",
        "actionname": "install motion detectors and alarm systems at revolving doors",
        "actionduedate": "2023-11-14T13:00:00Z",
        "actionowner": "2f0c6a39-932b-ed11-9db2-0022481563ba"
      },
      {
        "actionnumber": "SMP-006-OBJ-0006-ACT-0003",
        "actionname": "Implement identification cards to verify people entering the premises for visitors and contractors",
        "actionduedate": "2023-06-05T14:00:00Z",
        "actionowner": "2f0c6a39-932b-ed11-9db2-0022481563ba"
      }
    ]
  }
]

dont mind the lookups.

I put the whole objectives array, in that form, into the Populate a Microsoft Word Template action parameter.

Back in my word template, I have created two tables; objectives and actions. In actions, I declare the details im after, then collect them into a repeating content control. In objectives i declare the details I'm after then collect everything (including the actions content control) into a repeating content control.

When the flow is run, the template populates like so:

Nothing is pulled through, but there are no errors.

Any help would be appreciated!!