Combining and Updating Data from Multiple Source Tables to Central Table

I want to combine data from multiple "source" tables into a central table. Additionally, I want to be able to update data on my central table when it changes on my source tables. When I try to use the "Write to table" action, every time data changes in a row on my source tables it creates a new row on my central table instead of appending the row on the central table. I also tried using the "Send Table Data" action but am running into this error when I try to do this with multiple tables.

24 comments

Channeled
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To combine data from multiple source tables into a central table and ensure updates modify existing rows instead of creating new ones, you have two main options: 1. Use the "Write to table" integration: • Click "Add Enrichment" in the top right corner • Search for and select "Write to table" • Select your destination table • Map the columns from your source table to the matching columns in your destination table • Enable Auto-update in the run settings to automatically process new data 2. Use the "Send table data" feature: • In your source table, click Actions → Send table data • Select your destination table • Choose "Send row" and select which columns to send • Click Save The key point: When you first send a row, it creates a new row in the destination table. For subsequent sends, it updates that same row rather than creating duplicates. For better data management, also consider enabling Auto-dedupe on your central table to automatically handle any duplicate entries.
Sources: Send table data | Documentation | Clay University Write to Other Table | Documentation | Clay University Auto-update and Auto-dedupe Table
Zachary K.
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https://app.clay.com/workspaces/557947/workbooks/wb_ovTv7GQXo7JK/tables/t_0swhkmxWCtpefZ9o6Qb/views/gv_0swhkmxzEWreqZG8gkk
Zachary K.
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When I use the "write to table" action, a new row is being created every time data changes. It is not in fact acting the way you describe: "he key point: When you first send a row, it creates a new row in the destination table. For subsequent sends, it updates that same row rather than creating duplicates."
Valentin G.
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+1 - I'm struggling with the same thing
Zachary K.
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Valentin G. - Just spent time with someone from support. They are digging into the error more
Zachary K.
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They did confirm that the "Write to Table" action is legacy and the expectation is that it'll always create a new row
Zachary K.
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The support AI must just be confused
Valentin G.
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Ah well..
Valentin G.
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I tried a workaround with "Lookup multiple rows from another table" however I keep getting "Invalid input" as a result. you know what thats about?
Zachary K.
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I haven'y run into that issue. But would that workaround really work?
Valentin G.
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Not sure, it definitely hasn't for me. Maybe you could try? Or what are your doubts
Zachary K.
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Are you thinking it would work like this:
Zachary K.
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1.
New row on a "source" table
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Look up ID on "central" table
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If ID isn't found, use "Write to Table" action
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If ID is found, do what??
a.
As far as I can tell there's no way to append
Valentin G.
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Would need to append using merge columns
Valentin G.
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but yeah, I didn't get that far in the logic yet, since I failed step zero of even being able to look it up
Zachary K.
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Is "Merge columns" an action? I don't se that
Valentin G.
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Its just a new column, that first tries x and then y. But I would need to test if this would actually work
Valentin G.
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But has there been a conclusion from the support? Or is it just not possible to write to another table AND be able to change it after a change?
Zachary K.
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Valentin G. - looks like I've got this figured out
Zachary K.
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Clay support did some update to fix the error I was getting when trying to use the "Push Table Data" action from two different tables into the same table
Zachary K.
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Now that that is working here is my set up
Zachary K.
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push all data from source tables into central table using the "Push Table Data" action
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This action will keep updating the same row
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Include the unique ID you're using in your push
2. Use multiple "Look up single row in other table" action to pull the data you want from your various tables 3. Enable table deduplication on your central table
Valentin G.
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Awesome, will try that first thing tomorrow
Valentin G.
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Ah okay yeah works like a charme now - cheers mate