Automatic Count Down

Stephanie Taylor

Does anyone know a formula that will automatically count down?  I am currently using 

=DATE1-TODAY()

The problem with this is that I have to open the sheet everyday to update the count down date.

Thanks,

Steph

Mike Wilday

I'm confused why opening the sheet is an issue. Wouldn't you open the sheet to check the count down? Whether you or another team member opens the sheet, or a report, the formula should automatically process. 

Stephanie Taylor

Sorry I didn't explain the whole scenario.  I am linking the countdown in a widget in a Sight. The count down will not update in the Sight unless I open the source sheet everyday.

Mike Wilday

Hmmm. I don't have access to sights so I can't speak to that use. Perhaps another community member has an answer for you. 

Stephanie Taylor

Thanks anyway.

Kara Lumley

Hi Stephanie,

If you use the API, you could make the sheet open+save daily, and that would update the Sight.

dwayne.waterman21236

i have this exact same issue.  Kara, how would i use the API to accomplish this?  

Kara Lumley

Here is the API documentation - https://smartsheet-platform.github.io/api-docs/

The GET /sheets/{sheetId} will trigger the Today() formula.

Best,

Kara

 

J. Craig Williams

I use Zapier to accomplish this.

http://ronin-global.com/2017/03/15/forcing-today-refresh-in-smartsheet/

(I also use the API, but people tend to less intimated by Zapier)

Craig

 

Stephanie Taylor

Thanks Craig.  I finally had time to try this and it works.  

Ps...Your presentation was great at the ENGAGE conference.  

J. Craig Williams

Thank you Stephanie. You should have said hello. I would have liked that.

Craig

Stephanie Taylor

I was going to but you were busy and I didn't want to interrupt.  Sorry.

J. Craig Williams

You should have. Maybe next year?

Craig

Stephanie Taylor

If I can make it then defiantly next year.  I work in a Board of Elections office and the conference may be to close to Early Voting and Election Day for me to attend.

We'll see.

J. Craig Williams

I will press my thumbs for you.

Craig

Stephanie Taylor

Thanks.  I need all the help I can get.