How to assure that a smartsheet calculates on opening, or recalculate on server

Michael Bull

I have a smartsheet project with large number of tasks. For every task i calculate a "overdue - update" flag in a column formula , where i am comparing today's date calculated with today() function in a column formula with the finish date, and if stauts is not "complete" then the "overdue - update" flag is set.

Problem, the today() cells does not get automatically calculated in the background. I have to load the actual sheet several times, and eventually the formula calculates. PITN.

Problem is, i use the flag in a filter report, so the report filters the wrong line items. I first have to open the sheet, wait for it to calculate, save it, then open the report. If i dont open the sheet the report filters items which are clearly from the day the sheet was last opened (example, i worked on the sheet yesterday, i run the report today and it filters all tasks due yesterday, ie. The today cells was not updated.

For me this is akin to a bug, and reduces/ eliminates the use of functions.

How do i force smartsheet to recalculate a file on the server. Can i force a server recalculate somewhere, e.g. x times per day ?

Andrée Starå

Hi @Michael Bull

I hope you're well and safe!

Please have a look at my post below, which contains a method I developed to update the sheet(s) daily.

More info: 

Daily Update Solution without the need to open the sheet, use Zapier, or similar

Andrée Starå

Jan 6, 2021

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year!

I hope you're well and safe!

I've developed a way to use the newly released Record a date feature to update sheets with today's date automatically without the need to open it or similar.

1. Add a so-called helper column. (Date). We can call it Today Helper and add a date before the current day.

2. You'd then use an Automation Workflow as described below.

Trigger: When a date is reached

Every day starting on 2021-01-06 (today or earlier)

02:00 (select the time that makes the most sense for the process)

Conditions

Where Today Helper is in the past

Record a date

Record a date in Today Helper

https://us.v-cdn.net/6031209/uploads/1R2CO9WEE5M5/screenshot-of-ghost-browser-282021-01-06-2c-14-22-21-29.jpg

This could also be structured so you'd use a so-called helper sheet for the process above and then link it to all other sheets where you'd need the daily update.

Let me know if you have any questions!

I hope that helps!

Stay safe, and Happy New Year!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution.

---

View Post

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe, and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up, Awesome, or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!