AppsScriptPulse

Solutions, Drive, Sheets, Beginner

Exporting and importing data between Google Sheets with Google Apps Script

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When working with Google Sheets, you often use formulas like IMPORTRANGE to transfer data between files. However, IMPORTRANGE is not always reliable, especially when files become too large and you see the message “The file is too large.” In such cases, switching to a Google Apps Script-based solution that uses CSV files for data export and import is more efficient and flexible.

Here’s how you can create a system to export data from a Google Sheet to a CSV file and then import it into another sheet.

Export Data Script

This script exports data from a sheet named YOUR_TAB_NAME to a CSV file saved in Google Drive.

function exportToCSV() {
const SheetName = "YOUR_TAB_NAME";
const NameFile = "YOUR_FILE_NAME";

const ss = SpreadsheetApp.getActive();
const sourceSheet = ss.getSheetByName(SheetName);

  // Get the values ​​as displayed in the sheet
  const dataValues = sourceSheet.getDataRange().getDisplayValues();

  // Creating CSV content
  const csvContent = dataValues.map(row => row.join(";")).join("\n");

  // Check if there is data
  if(csvContent == "") return;

  try {
  
  const fileId = DriveApp.getFilesByName(NameFile + ".csv").next().getId();
        
        DriveApp.getFileById(fileId).setContent(csvContent);
  
  } catch {

        DriveApp.createFile(NameFile + ".csv", csvContent, MimeType.CSV);

  }
}

How It Works

  1. Fetches data from the specified sheet (YOUR_TAB_NAME).
  2. Creates CSV content, joining data with the ; separator.
  3. Updates the CSV file if it already exists or creates a new one.

Import Data Script

This script imports data from a CSV file into a Google Sheet named YOUR_TAB_NAME.

function importFromCSV() {
  const SheetName = "YOUR_TAB_NAME";
  const NameFile = "YOUR_FILE_NAME";
  const Separator = ";"; // Change your separator if needed

  const destinationSheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActive().getSheetByName(SheetName);

  let fileId;

  try {
    // Search for the file and get its ID
    fileId = DriveApp.getFilesByName(NameFile + ".csv").next().getId();
  } catch {
    Logger.log("Il file '" + NameFile + ".csv' non è stato trovato in Google Drive.");
    return;
  }

  const file = DriveApp.getFileById(fileId);
  const property = PropertiesService.getDocumentProperties();

  // Check if the last imported data has already been loaded
  const lastModified = property.getProperty("lastModified");

  const timeStamp = file.getLastUpdated().toUTCString();
  property.setProperty("lastModified", timeStamp);

  if (lastModified == timeStamp) return;

  // Retrieve the CSV content
  const csvContent = file.getBlob().getDataAsString();

  // Split the content into rows and then into columns using the specified separator
  const data = csvContent
          .split("\n") // Split into rows
              .map(row => row.split(Separator)); // Split each row into columns using the specified separator

  destinationSheet.clearContents();
  destinationSheet.getRange(1, 1, data.length, data[0].length).setValues(data);
}

How It Works

  1. Finds the CSV file in Google Drive.
  2. Checks for changes by comparing the file’s last modification time with a stored property value.
  3. Reads data from the CSV file and imports it into the sheet, clearing existing data first.

Automation with Triggers

To automate the import process, you can use a time-based trigger to run the script at regular intervals (e.g., every minute, hour, etc.).

Setting Up a Trigger

  1. Go to Apps Script Editor (Extensions > Apps Script).
  2. Click on Triggers (Clock icon) or Tools > Triggers in the editor.
  3. Create a new trigger:
    • Choose the importFromCSV function.
    • Select “Time-driven trigger.”
    • Specify the frequency (e.g., every minute).

With this trigger, your script will regularly check for updates in the CSV file and automatically import new data.

Explanation of the Separator Usage

Why the semicolon (;) is used: Descriptions or text fields may already use commas (,), and using them as a separator could lead to incorrect data splits. Using semicolons avoids this issue.

Alternative separator: If semicolons (;) are also present in the data, it’s recommended to use a unique symbol, such as §.

To update the separator, replace “;” with “§” in the following line:

.map(row => row.split("§")); // Update the separator here

This makes the script adaptable to various data scenarios.

Why Use This Method?

Advantages

  • Avoid IMPORTRANGE Limits: No errors related to overly large files.
  • Efficiency: Data is transferred as CSV, reducing connectivity issues between files.
  • Automation: Imports happen without manual intervention.

Limitations

  • Maintenance: Scripts need to be managed and updated manually if changes occur.
  • Security: Ensure file and script access is secure.

With these scripts and a configured trigger, you can reliably and efficiently handle large volumes of data between Google Sheets. If you need further customizations or help setting it up, feel free to ask!

Community News

AppsScriptPulse 2024 Rewind: The Year’s Top Posts

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It’s time for a special “rewind” of top community contributions to AppsScriptPulse in 2024. As part of this revisit, here are the hottest posts that got everyone buzzing each month of the year.

January: The Gemini API and Function Calling (with Martin Hawksey)

Kicking off the year was my own “GenAI for Google Workspace: Exploring Gemini API Function Calling with Google Apps Script — Part 3“. This post delved into the powerful synergy of Gemini and Apps Script, showcasing how to create personalized mail merges using Google Sheets. The key takeaway? Gemini can define functions that your code can actually execute – opening up a whole universe of creative solutions with Apps Script at the helm!

February: Mastering Smart Chips in Google Sheets (with Ben Collins)

February saw us diving headfirst into “The complete guide to Smart Chips in Google Sheets” by Ben Collins. This post was like a treasure map to unlocking the hidden potential of Smart Chips in Google Sheets. We learned how to wrangle and extract data like pros, especially with that super useful dot syntax in formulas. The focus was on the no-code awesomeness of Smart Chips, but Ben teased us with a promise of more developer-focused insights on the Totally Unscripted show – talk about leaving us wanting more!

March: Conquering the CASA Tier 2 Security Assessment (with Kelig Lefeuvre)

March brought a bit of a challenge – navigating the CASA Tier 2 Security Assessment. But fear not, because “Guide to completing Casa Tier 2 Security Assessment for Google Apps Script (and how to scan your Google Apps Script project for CASA)” by Kelig Lefeuvre came to our rescue. Kelig, a Product Engineer at Scriptit & Folgo, provided a developer’s-eye view of the entire process, complete with insider tips you wouldn’t find in the official documentation. This post was a lifeline for anyone looking to publish their masterpiece on the Workspace Marketplace or working with those restricted scopes.

April: Choosing the Right API Call Method (with Justin Poehnelt)

April had us making crucial decisions – “Google Apps Script: google.script.run vs. doGet/doPost Endpoints” by Justin Poehnelt helped us navigate the tricky choice between google.script.run and GET/POST endpoints (doGet and doPost). Justin laid out the pros and cons of each approach, even throwing in some code snippets to get us started. Talk about a helpful hand in picking the perfect tool for our Apps Script arsenal!

May: A Security “Gotcha” and Solutions for Sheets Imports (with Justin Poehnelt)

May threw us a bit of a curveball with Google Sheets’ security updates. “Allowing access for IMPORTHTML, IMPORTDATA, IMPORTFEED, IMPORTXML, and IMPORTRANGE on behalf of the user in Google Sheets” by Justin Poehnelt explained how the enhanced security measures for external data sources impacted both users and developers. Thankfully, Justin also provided the antidote – we learned to use the Sheets API to grant access programmatically, making sure our automations continued humming along smoothly.

June: Bridging AppSheet and Cloud SQL with Ease (with Vo Tu Duc)

June brought us the “ultimate” guide – “The Ultimate Guide Connecting AppSheet to Google Cloud SQL and MySQL databases” by Vo Tu Duc, a Google AppSheet GDE. This post was like having a personal tutor guiding us through the entire process of setting up Google Cloud SQL, building a MySQL database, and weaving it all together with AppSheet. Vo also explained why this setup is the holy grail for large-scale AppSheet apps that need a bit more muscle than Google Sheets can provide. Screenshots galore made this guide a breeze to follow, even for Cloud newbies!

July: Docs and Markdown: A Match Made in Apps Script Heaven (with Kanshi Tanaike)

July saw the worlds of Google Docs and Markdown colliding – in a good way! “Using Google Drive API and Google Apps Script to convert between Google Docs and Markdown” by Kanshi Tanaike highlighted the awesome new ability to export Docs to Markdown and bring Markdown files into Docs. Kanshi shared sample scripts for both conversions using the Drive API, paving the way for automation wizards to work their magic, especially when dealing with GenAI output in Markdown format.

August: Happy Birthday, Apps Script!

August was a time for celebration – “Celebrating 15 years of Apps Script 🎉 🥂” when we commemorated the journey of our favourite scripting tool. We got a link to a festive YouTube Short and took a reflective look at how far Apps Script has come, where it’s headed, and why it’s more relevant than ever in this age of GenAI.

September: Workspace Developer News – Docs, Meet, Chat, and More (with Chanel Greco)

September brought a whole bag of treats in the Workspace Developer News roundup – “Google Workspace Developer News: Create and organize Docs with the new ‘tabs’ API methods and more” by Chanel Greco. We learned how to use the Docs API or Apps Script to become masters of tabs in Google Docs, plus we got new tricks for Google Meet Add-ons and Chat apps. It was a buffet of updates that kept us busy experimenting all month long!

October: Iterators and Generators – Our Apps Script Power-Up (with Bruce Mcpherson)

October was all about leveling up our Apps Script game – “Optimising Google Apps Script: Efficiently handling large datasets with iterators and generators” by Bruce Mcpherson showed us how to harness the power of these JavaScript concepts to efficiently process large datasets in Apps Script. Bruce, never one to shy away from a challenge, provided clear explanations, practical examples, and even a clever workaround for Apps Script’s lack of native generator support. Talk about a knowledge drop that left us feeling like coding superheroes!

November: Programmatically Protecting Our Precious Sheets (with Kanshi Tanaike)

November brought us some serious control-freak vibes (in a good way) with “Going beyond the menu: Programmatic controlling Google Sheets protection using Google Apps Script” by Kanshi Tanaike. We went beyond those basic menu options, learning to use Apps Script and the Sheets API to manage sheet and range protections like true automation ninjas. Kanshi provided use case examples that demonstrated how to achieve granular control and build protection workflows that would make even the most security-conscious spreadsheet guru proud!

December: Exponential Backoff – Taming Those Rate Limit Errors (with Phil Bainbridge)

December had us facing those pesky rate limit errors head-on, armed with the knowledge from “Beginner’s guide to exponential backoff in Google Apps Script for handling rate limit errors” by Phil Bainbridge. This post gave us a beginner-friendly introduction to the art of exponential backoff, complete with sample code to put the theory into action. Phil even shared a real-world scenario where this technique saved the day, proving that even infrequent errors can be tamed with a bit of coding finesse.

That’s a wrap on our AppsScriptPulse “year in review”! These posts were more than just code snippets; they were mini-masterclasses that helped us grow as Google Workspace developers. So, huge thanks to all the authors for sharing their knowledge and expertise! Now, go forth, fellow developers and no-coders, and create amazing things! Happy Scripting!!!

Snippet, Video Tutorial, Beginner

Beginner’s guide to exponential backoff in Google Apps Script for handling rate limit errors

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Exponential Backoff, a process by which when something fails you try again a set number of times whilst increasing the delay between each attempt.

Sample Apps Script code for Exponential Backoff

Sample Apps Script code for Exponential Backoff

The following Google Apps Script is designed to explore Exponential Backoff – a process by which when something fails you try again a set number of times whilst increasing the delay between each attempt, up to a certain point.

I needed this for a tool I built which adds Guests to a Calendar event from a Google Form submission. Whilst I was using ScriptLock to prevent simultaneous submissions, the code ran so fast that it would infrequently trip the Calendar API with the following error message “API call to calendar.events.patch failed with error: Rate Limit Exceeded”.

By infrequently I mean a reported issue only once in 3,500 submissions over the course of 12 months. Enough however to take the opportunity to learn about Exponential Backoff and to squash that single instance.

Just a note that this is one way to implement it.

Source: The Gift of Script: Exponential Backoff

Official News

Google Workspace Developer News: Google Chat enhancements and more!

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The latest Google Workspace Developer News brings exciting updates, particularly for Google Chat. If you are in the Developer Preview Program there are a number of updates including the ability to build Google Workspace Add-ons that include Google Chat apps, simplifying app creation and reducing the need for separate Chat apps. This will hopefully simplify the installation process for admins and end-users, providing a more seamless experience.

Another helpful update allows the creation of group chats in import mode when migrating to Google Chat from other platforms, facilitating a smoother transition. Additionally, developers can now get or update users’ Google Chat space notification settings and list custom emojis through the Chat API, offering greater control and customisation.

The Calendar API has been enhanced, now providing access to birthday and other special events and enabling the differentiation of regular events from other types using the Apps Script Calendar service.

For detailed information and links to relevant documentation, be sure to check the video description on YouTube.

Source: Update to Calendar API, Google Workspace Add ons that extend Google Chat, and more!

Solutions, Sheets, Beginner

Automate your Bluesky analytics with Google Apps Script and Sheets

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Bluesky is gaining traction this end of 2024, and if you’re on the platform, you need to know your numbers. Want to track your Bluesky stats without the hassle? Google Apps Script and Google Sheets are here to rescue you with a simple, yet powerful solution.

In this blog post, Stéphane Giron provides a guide to tracking Bluesky social media statistics using Google Apps Script and Google Sheets. With the growing popularity of Bluesky it can be useful and interesting to understand the social media dynamic of the platform.

The script he offers tracks metrics such as the number of posts, followers, likes, reposts, and more. Stéphane also details how to install and set up the script, including copying and pasting the provided code, running initialization functions, and scheduling automatic data collection. The result is raw data that users can then use to create graphs and visualize their Bluesky activity over time.

Source: Bluesky Analytics, Track your Stats with Google Apps Script and Google Sheets

Community News

🚀 Stuck on a Google Apps Script Challenge? Let’s Solve It Together!

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So, let’s do something different. If you’re facing a technical challenge, I’m opening up a new way to get direct support. 🎯

How It Works: Fill out this Google Form and share the details of your challenge. Here’s what I’ll need from you:

In this blog post, Dmitry Kostyuk offers Google Apps Script users assistance with their coding challenges. Users can submit their problems through a Google Form, providing details about their problem, relevant code snippets, and any additional comments. Dmitry emphasizes that this is a collaborative learning opportunity, not a code-writing service. Submitted challenges might be showcased anonymously on Dmitry’s blog and social media. Follow the source link for more details.

Source: 🚀 Stuck on a Google Apps Script Challenge? Let’s Solve It Together!

Solutions, Sheets, Intermediate

Going beyond the menu: Programmatic controlling Google Sheets protection using Google Apps Script

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Google Apps Script automates tasks like managing protections in Google Spreadsheets. These protections control user access to specific cells. While scripts exist for this purpose, users still encounter challenges, prompting this report. The report aims to introduce techniques for managing protections using sample scripts, helping users understand and implement this functionality.

Google Sheets aficionados are likely no strangers to the “Protect sheet” and “Protect range” options tucked away in the menus. These features offer a basic level of control over who can edit what within your spreadsheet. But what if you need more dynamic, automated control over these protections? That’s where the power of Google Apps Script and the Sheets API comes into play.

This post from Kanshi Tanaike provides a deep dive into how you can programmatically manage protections in your Google Sheets. While the traditional menu options are great for static scenarios, using Google Apps Script allows you to create more flexible and powerful protection workflows.

Why Go Script?

  • Dynamic Protections: Instead of manually adjusting protections, you can use scripts to change them based on specific conditions or events within your spreadsheet.
  • Automation: Integrate protection changes into larger automation workflows, streamlining processes and reducing manual intervention.
  • Granular Control: Achieve a level of control over cell-level permissions that goes beyond the standard menu options.

Some possible use cases for developers could include:

  • Approvals Automation: Imagine a scenario where certain parts of a spreadsheet need to be locked down once a manager approves them. With this solution, you could create a script that automatically protects those ranges upon approval.
  • Time-Limited Editing: Need to open up a section of a spreadsheet for editing only during a specific window of time? You could use Google Apps Script to handle this, automatically protecting

The scripts provided by Kanshi Tanaike offer a starting point for exploring these possibilities.

Source: Technique for Protecting Google Spreadsheet using Google Apps Script

Comment

The Transformative Power of Generative AI: Reimagining the Enterprise with Gemini for Google Workspace

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This article was co-authored with Gemini for Google Workspace. You can read the full transcript of our conversation.

I appreciate this isn’t the typical Pulse post, but in my mind a lot of Google Workspace Developers who subscribe to this site have a wider interest in Google Workspace. Having worked with and supported a number of customers exploring Gemini for Google Workspace I thought it would be useful to sharing some of my thoughts and observations regarding the transformative power of Generative AI. As part of this I share insights around:

  • The importance of change management in adopting GenAI.
  • Mastering the art of prompting and interaction.
  • The need for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving landscape.
  • The future of human-AI collaboration.

Introduction

Imagine collaborating with an AI to draft a compelling marketing campaign, brainstorming ideas in a fluid conversation, and watching as it generates compelling copy and visuals in real-time. This is the power of generative AI tools like Gemini for Google Workspace, and it’s transforming how enterprises work.

My own journey with generative AI began in late 2023 when I had the opportunity to be part of Google Cloud’s trusted tester program. Working with early models in MakerSuite, Bard, and Duet AI gave me a glimpse of this transformative power. I was immediately struck by the shift to a conversational paradigm. We’re no longer just issuing commands to machines; we’re engaging in dynamic dialogues to create and innovate.

Having now supported several businesses with Gemini for Workspace ‘proof of value’ pilots, I’ve come to realize that simply introducing these powerful tools isn’t enough. To truly unlock the potential of generative AI like Gemini, organizations need a multifaceted approach. This includes investing in training, fostering internal “champions,” strategically identifying pain points for improvement, measuring success, and thoughtfully disseminating new ways of working. This is the key to successfully integrating this revolutionary technology into the enterprise.

The Promise of GenAI for Enterprise Productivity

McKinsey’s research paints a compelling picture of generative AI’s potential to revolutionize productivity. They estimate that generative AI could add the equivalent of $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually across the 63 use cases they analysed. This staggering figure underscores the transformative impact this technology could have on businesses across various sectors, from automating mundane tasks to unlocking entirely new levels of creativity and efficiency.

But the true promise of GenAI extends far beyond simply saving time. Tools like Gemini empower employees to:

  • Improve quality: By providing intelligent suggestions, generating alternative approaches, and catching errors, GenAI helps elevate the overall quality of work.
  • Upskill and learn: Gemini not only provides answers but often explains the “why” and “how” behind them, offering valuable learning opportunities and fostering deeper understanding.
  • Conduct advanced analysis: With the ability to analyse vast amounts of data, GenAI unlocks new levels of insight and understanding that were previously impossible.

Just this week, I was working with a pilot participant from a company’s People team. They needed to analyse an employee satisfaction survey with hundreds of free-text responses. Imagine the task: categorizing those responses by theme, extracting key quotes, and generating a comprehensive report with recommendations. Gemini was able to analyse all the responses and create a draft report in minutes – a task that would normally take a full day. While the person still needed to check the data and refine the report, having this head start, complete with accurate thematic categorization and relevant quotes, significantly enhanced their efficiency and allowed them to focus on higher-level analysis and recommendations.

These benefits highlight the transformative potential of GenAI to not just speed up work, but to fundamentally enhance the way we work and the value we create.

The Importance of Change Management

Introducing a powerful tool like Gemini into an organization is more than just adding a new piece of software; it requires a fundamental shift in how people work and think about their roles. This is where change management becomes crucial. The ADKAR model, which focuses on Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, provides a useful framework for navigating this transition.

  • Awareness: First, employees need to be aware of what Gemini is, its capabilities, and how it can impact their work. This goes beyond simply showcasing features; it’s about communicating the ‘why’ behind the change and painting a clear picture of how Gemini can benefit them individually and the organization as a whole.
  • Desire: Next, we need to foster a desire to use Gemini. This involves addressing concerns, highlighting the advantages, and creating a sense of excitement about the possibilities. One of the biggest hurdles is overcoming the mindset of ‘I need to do this myself.’ Many employees have never had the experience of having an assistant, so it’s about encouraging them to embrace Gemini as a valuable partner that can augment their capabilities and free them to focus on higher-value tasks. In one of my pilot programs, an employee was hesitant to use Gemini in Gmail because it felt like ‘cheating’ to spend less time writing emails. To address this, I explained that Gemini wasn’t about cutting corners; it was about freeing up time for more valuable activities. By using Gemini to generate a first draft, the employee could then dedicate more time to refining the message, adding personal touches, and ensuring the communication was truly impactful. This reframing helped the employee see the value of GenAI not as a replacement for their skills, but as a tool to enhance them.
  • Knowledge: Once the desire is there, employees need the knowledge to use Gemini effectively. This involves providing comprehensive training on the tool’s functionalities, best practices for prompting, and strategies for integrating it into their workflows. It’s about equipping them with the skills and understanding to truly leverage Gemini’s potential.
  • Ability: Knowledge is not enough; employees need the ability to apply what they’ve learned. This requires hands-on practice, opportunities for experimentation, and ongoing support. It’s about creating a safe environment where people can explore, make mistakes, and learn by doing.
  • Reinforcement: Finally, to ensure lasting adoption, reinforcement is key. This involves recognizing and rewarding successful use of Gemini, providing ongoing support and resources, and continuously communicating the benefits and impact of the tool. It’s about creating a culture where GenAI is seamlessly integrated into the way work gets done.

Addressing the “Assistant Mindset”

A key element of this change management process is helping employees embrace the “assistant mindset.” This means moving away from the idea that they need to do everything themselves and towards a collaborative approach where they leverage Gemini as a powerful ally. It’s about reframing their roles, recognizing that delegating tasks to Gemini can free them to focus on more strategic, creative, and fulfilling aspects of their work.

Mastering the Art of Prompting and Interaction

While generative AI tools like Gemini are incredibly powerful, their effectiveness hinges on our ability to communicate our needs and intentions clearly. This goes beyond simply typing in a text prompt; it’s about mastering the art of interaction and understanding the full range of ways to make the most of Gemini’s capabilities within Google Workspace.

Prompt Engineering: The Basics

Effective prompting is essential for getting the most out of Gemini. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

  • Be clear and specific: The more specific your instructions, the better the results. Instead of asking “write a training plan,” try “create a training plan for a new sales onboarding program, including modules on product knowledge, sales techniques, and company values. The plan should be structured for a 3-day program with a mix of presentations, role-playing activities, and online assessments.”
  • Provide context: Give Gemini the information it needs to understand your request. If you want it to summarize a document, provide the document or a link to it.
  • Experiment and iterate: Don’t be afraid to try different prompts and refine your approach based on the results. Prompt engineering is an iterative process.

Beyond Text Prompts: Unlocking Advanced Capabilities

But mastering Gemini goes beyond just text prompts. It’s about understanding how to fully utilize its potential within the Workspace environment. Here’s where things get really interesting:

  • The Gemini Side Panel: This powerful tool allows you to interact with Gemini in more sophisticated ways. You can drag and drop files, incorporate information from multiple sources, and apply Gemini’s analytical capabilities to generate insights and create new content. For example, I recently worked with a client who was impressed with Google Meet’s “take notes for me” and transcript features but found themselves spending significant time reformatting these into structured meeting minutes. I showed them how to use the Gemini Side Panel to combine three files – the meeting agenda, the Google Meet transcript, and an example of minutes from a previous meeting – and then use a prompt to generate new minutes from the transcript, formatted in the same way as the previous minutes. This saved them a huge amount of time and effort.
  • Contextual Awareness: Gemini is designed to understand the context of your work within Workspace. This means it can access and process information from your emails, documents, and other files, allowing for more intelligent and relevant responses.
  • Multimodal Interaction: Gemini is not just about text. It can also process images and potentially other forms of media in the future, opening up even more possibilities for creative expression and problem-solving.

By mastering these advanced interaction techniques, you can unlock the true power of Gemini and transform the way you work.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Work with GenAI

As we’ve seen, generative AI tools like Gemini have the potential to revolutionize the way we work. But the journey has just begun. One of the defining characteristics of this technology is its rapid pace of evolution. New features, capabilities, and ways of interacting with Gemini are emerging constantly. This presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for enterprises.

The Need for Continuous Learning

In this dynamic environment, continuous learning is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Employees need to be equipped with the skills and mindset to adapt to new features and functionalities as they become available. Organizations need to foster a culture of continuous learning and provide ongoing support and resources to help their teams stay ahead of the curve.

This rapid evolution was evident in one of our recent pilot programs. At the start of the pilot, Gemini’s ability to analyse quantitative data in the Side Panel within Google Sheets was limited. However, just a few weeks in, Google pushed an update that significantly enhanced these capabilities. This step change opened up a whole new range of possibilities for our pilot participants, but it also highlighted the need for ongoing awareness and education around new features and functionalities.

Human-AI Collaboration: A New Era of Work

The future of work with GenAI is not about humans being replaced by machines; it’s about humans and AI collaborating to achieve more than ever before. This requires a shift in mindset, where we view AI as a partner that can augment our capabilities and free us to focus on higher-value tasks.

Imagine a future where:

  • Marketing teams use GenAI to brainstorm creative campaigns and generate compelling content.
  • Sales teams use GenAI to analyse customer data and personalize their outreach.
  • HR teams use GenAI to streamline recruitment processes and enhance employee engagement.
  • Engineering teams use GenAI to write and debug code, accelerating development cycles.

This collaborative future requires us to develop new skills, embrace new ways of working, and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning.

Responsible AI: Ethical Considerations

As we integrate GenAI into our workflows, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications and ensure responsible use of this powerful technology. This includes:

  • Data privacy and security: Protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Bias mitigation: Being aware of potential biases in AI models and taking steps to mitigate their impact.
  • Transparency and explainability: Understanding how AI models arrive at their conclusions and ensuring transparency in their use.

This also extends to establishing clear guidelines and policies around the use of GenAI within the organization. In our pilot programs, we’ve been actively helping businesses explore these questions. For instance, in one organization, we facilitated a discussion around the feasibility of having a policy where any content or analysis generated with the assistance of Gemini was clearly noted in the document, presentation, or other output. This type of proactive policy-making can foster transparency, build trust, and ensure that GenAI is used ethically and responsibly.

By embracing these principles, we can harness the transformative power of GenAI while building a future of work that is both innovative and ethical.

Conclusion

The era of generative AI has arrived, and tools like Gemini for Google Workspace are poised to revolutionize the enterprise. But technology alone is not enough. To truly unlock the transformative potential of GenAI, organizations need to invest in change management, foster a culture of continuous learning, and embrace a collaborative approach to human-AI interaction. By doing so, they can empower their employees, enhance productivity, and shape a future of work that is both innovative and ethical.

The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immense. Let’s embrace this new era of work with open minds, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to responsible AI practices. The future is collaborative, and it’s powered by generative AI.

Source: The Transformative Power of Generative AI: Reimagining the Enterprise with Gemini for Google Workspace

Solutions, Drive, Sheets

Quickly copy or move existing files in Google Drive from a Google Sheet

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Quickly copy or move existing files into folders within Google drive via a Google Sheet.

Quickly copy or move existing files into folders via a Google Sheet

Quickly copy or move existing files into folders via a Google Sheet

The following Google Apps Script tool allows you to quickly copy or move existing files into existing folders within Google/Shared drive. This is quite a niche tool so it is anticipated you would already have a Google Sheet of file IDs/URLs, though there is the option to select an existing Drive folder of files and automatically bring them into this tool.

You can continue to append further rows to the Google Sheet as existing ones will be skipped once the ‘Status’ column has automatically been marked as ‘Completed’. Alternatively you can clear the Sheet each time for a fresh start.

Source: The Gift of Script: Copy or move file into folder Tool

Official News

Google Workspace Developer News: Google Sheets supports smart chips for link previews, Update to Chat API, and more

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Chanel Greco is back with Episode 12 of the Google Workspace Developer News. An exciting update is that Google Sheets now supports smart chips for link previews to third-party resources. This now allows developers to create Google Workspace Add-ons that can pull information from their app directly into Sheets.

Other updates include:

  • The Chat API can now create announcement spaces and read/update space permissions.
  • New widgets for card-based Chat app interfaces are generally available.
  • Chat API Space & Membership management with App Authentication is available for Developer Preview Program members.
  • The Chat API can manage custom emoji when enabled for a Workspace organization.
  • The Meet Add-ons SDK can now retrieve the meetingCode property of an ongoing meeting.

More details including links to the documentation are included in the YouTube description.

Source: Google Sheets supports smart chips for link previews, Update to Chat API, and more!