How to: Edit and automation and have it run again on all applicable records?

Hi:

So, I've written automations (all variations on one theme) that transform input data to a secondary table that will contain the output data and formats we want in the end.  But, I've realized that I need to edit the automation now because its not acting the way I want it to. It's copying over some blank values which won't  be useful and will just be confusing.  My thought was: remove all the secondary table records, make a field on the input data table that I can change simultaneously and Voila, the automation will run again.  I used Mark Shnier's focus date range parent-child table method to make a single field change simultaneously throughout the table and no luck. No automation fired.  Is there another strategy I should use?

Hmm, I guess since I'm still in app building mode I would be able to export the records the automation will run on, clear all the records, and re-import the records. That should fire the automations again. But that's probably not a good strategy in a live app environment.

Thanks
Dave