# How to use a Righthand with Coda

Build a Coda decision register review using document, table, row, and column identities without changing formulas or action buttons.

By Righthand Team · 2026-10-09

Source: https://www.righthand.ai/blog/how-to-use-righthand-with-coda

## Review the decision register, not the whole document

Righthand can help prepare a decision-register review from a selected Coda table. The useful output identifies decisions without owners, missing evidence, and deadlines requiring confirmation. Start with one table and its conventions so a document's narrative pages and calculated values are not mistaken for authoritative decisions.

Coda's [API reference](https://coda.io/developers/apis/v1) describes documents, tables, rows, and column-based values. Keep those identities with each proposed change. A row's display name can be repeated, and a column's visible label can change without representing a new business field.

## Define the schema and read route

Provide document and table links, included rows, and a mapping for Decision, Accountable owner, Needed by, Evidence, and Outcome. These are illustrative column names; use the actual table schema. Explain which columns are computed or linked and which accept ordinary input.

Check available Coda tools through [integrations](/integrations). If row reads or field detail are absent, supply an approved table export or authorize a browser review. Do not assume access to action buttons, row upserts, or every document operation from a catalog listing.

## A complete illustrative brief

> At 3 PM America/Los_Angeles on Thursday, review the approved launch decision table using the attached column mapping. Return a private register of open decisions with document, table, and row identity, current owner, needed-by value, outcome, and accessible evidence links. Flag duplicates and incomplete records without merging them. Do not update rows, run buttons, or change formulas. Send to me for program-owner review. Reconcile the included row count and identify calculated or unavailable values.

The example is illustrative. A formula-generated outcome can summarize another source without proving that the responsible owner made a final decision.

## Show a useful review entry

An example row could say: “Packaging choice; needed by Friday; owner blank; evidence link present but inaccessible; program owner must assign accountability and confirm the source.” The assistant should preserve the unavailable link instead of supplying a plausible explanation.

Two rows with the same decision title may represent different markets or revisions. Keep both row IDs and flag the apparent duplicate. A proposed consolidation needs the owner's interpretation and an approved target, not an automatic name match.

## Reconcile updates safely

On repeat runs, match row and table identity and compare actual field values. A renamed display value should update the report entry, not create new work. If the owner approves supported writes, target exact rows and columns, then verify the resulting values through a fresh read.

Incomplete pagination, changed schemas, and stale exports can alter the apparent register. State those limits. An action button may trigger other work outside the table; treat running it as a separate explicitly authorized responsibility.

Set access through [Righthand's connection guide](https://docs.righthand.ai/guides/add-a-connection). Review [plans](/pricing) before making decision-register preparation a recurring responsibility, and retain the program owner as the final reviewer.