Force Update TODAY Formulas

Does anyone know of a way to force TODAY formulas to update whether or not the sheet is opened? I'm trying to trigger workflows off of a TODAY formula, but it currently only works if I open the sheet, causing the formula to update. Smartsheet's usage notes indicate that the following events cause TODAY functions to update:

You open the sheet and save it
You add a new row to the sheet from a form submission
You make changes to the sheet from an update or approval request (more on these alerts here)
You update the sheet by way of a report (more on reports here)
A linked cell updates the sheet (more on cell linking here)
You open the sheet being referenced in a cross-sheet formula (more on cross sheet formulas here)

Is there some way to automate one of these events, so they occur every day, forcing the TODAY functions to update?

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Comments

Andrée Starå

Hi Cory,

Zapier is an excellent option for this scenario. Is that an option for you?

Another option I use for clients that for some reason, don't want to use Zapier is to have a daily update request sent.

Would that work?

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Cory Griffis

I will look into those options. Thanks!

Andrée Starå

You're welcome!

Happy to help!

Samuel Mueller

@Andrée Starå I think I know the answer but could you do the same thing with a bridge workflow?

Sorry I know this is an old post but surprisingly this is still an issue :)

Andrée Starå

Hi @Samuel Mueller

I hope you're well and safe!

Yes, I'm pretty sure we should be able to use Bridge, but another simpler option would be the following.

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

More info:

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/74527/daily-update-solution-without-the-need-to-open-the-sheet-use-zapier-or-similar

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

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 or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Deanna Vandermeer

Yep, just create 2 automations ... the first runs at 1:00 AM and locks the rows in your sheet, the second runs at 2:00 AM and unlocks the rows in your sheet. This will cause Today() to refresh. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Samuel Mueller

Thank you both @Andrée Starå and @Deanna Vandermeer those are both great options!

Deanna Vandermeer

You are welcome, feel free to reach out anytime. I am always happy to help.

Andrée Starå

@Samuel Mueller

Excellent!

You're more than welcome!

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