Force Update TODAY Formulas

Cory Griffis

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?

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

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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!