Unable to process template language expressions in action 'ApprovalInfo' inputs at line '0' and column '0':

[akmughal]

Hello,

I'm trying to create a three-level approval process based on department names for a ticketing system. Ticket information store in Master List, and Approval Matrix is the list where I have approval hierarchy for each department. In Get Item step, I'm filtering the query and get one row, since Get Item returns an array so I want to get the first row from the Get Item.

In Compose (ApprovalInfo) step when I try to pull the first row based on user department, I get the below error message.

" Unable to process template language expressions in action 'ApprovalInfo' inputs at line '0' and column '0': 'The template language function 'first' expects its parameter be an array or a string. The provided value is of type 'Object'. Please see https://aka.ms/logicexpressions#first for usage details.'.

Appreciate any help.

[SudeepGhatakNZ · Accepted solution]

@akmughal 

Try

first(outputs('Get_items')?['body/value'])

[akmughal]

Hello Sudeep,

I have used the same statement, but it did not work. Please look at the screenshot that I have attached in original post.

Thanks,

Asif

[akmughal]

Hello Sudeep,

I am running to another issue with the same flow. Hope you are able to fix it.

I get the approval person name from Approval Matrix list based on the department. Up to that point flow works well, but when I try to assign Approvers emails to Approve and Reject action, I get the error message. " Any idea how to fix it?

[SudeepGhatakNZ]

Can you display the output of outputs('ApprovalInfo').

You may hide the email address, but I need to see the JSON structure.

[akmughal]

Hello

Appreciate your help. Here are screenshots.

'Ad' is the unit/department name and redacted phrases have the approver name and email address of corresponding department.

[SudeepGhatakNZ]

I see the issue.

You have got multiple approvers. 

You need to first create a string of mail addresses and then add them into the Approvals action

This is how you can achieve that

Enter the Variable in your Approval action

[akmughal]

Thank you for your assistance. I'm still getting the hang of Power Automate, so I appreciate your patience.

I got multiple approvers by program. If worker submit a hardware request, it would go to Program Manager based on the program select.  The "Approvers " is the field name that has Program Manager email address, once it is approved by Program Manager it would go to Assistant Director, which is a separate field in LIST. I have not created the flow for second and third level approval yet. 

After making the changes that you suggested, I'm still getting the error. Here is my flow looks like:

[SudeepGhatakNZ]

Your expression in Append to String variable is incorrect.

Use the expression I have provided.

[akmughal]

My lists do not contain email field. The 'Approvers' has the email address of first level approvers.

[akmughal · Accepted solution]

I removed the loop from the flow, filter the approver's email and assigned as value to variable.

Also, I put the requester email under the Advance option of Approval action, and it worked.

Thanks for your inputs.

Asif