I am working on developing a workflow in which the requestor has asked that all processing areas (~10) be separated into distinct streams which then perform some additional calculations and transformations and then send out a separate email for each processing area. I have accomplished this by using several filter tools to separate out the processing areas the way I need them to be and it is working fine, but I was hoping there was a more efficient/elegant way to accomplish this task. For instance one tool, or perhaps a macro, that would let me write the required custom filters and add as many outputs as I need. Sort of like how the formula tool lets you add multiple formulas, but each separate formula would be its own output from the tool. Is there any way to accomplish this or do I simply keep using the multiple distinct filter tools? See below for an example of what I mean.
Unfortunately they do not have a dynamic filter tool, which would be super cool.
The simplest way is to do what you are doing, except link those formulas into one formula. This way you would have one field identifying all your outputs and you can then filter from there.
if [processing area]='India' and contains([team leader],'xxxxx') or contains([team leader],'yyyyy') then 'Output 1'
elseif [processing area]='North America - Chicago' and contains([team leader],'aaaaa') or contains([team leader],'bbbbb') then 'Output 2'
else 'Output 3' endif
Filter tool would build off itself - True = Output 1 then attach another filter to the False output that True = Output 2, etc.
or you can create a custom macro - macro input - then either bring in a template with all your combinations or you can fill in the text area. Then apply the formula that is above and add each filter as above. For each True output you will add an output macro. Save the macro and add it to your workflow.
That's kind of what I figured, I already have my filter tools set up to split things out the way I need them, it's just ugly and I'm always looking for a way to streamline my workflows. Oh well, a guy can dream.
Check my latest edit to your question. I needed more coffee apparently.