Question about Functions and Automations

Sam Chan

Hi - I have a formula that calculates whether or not an end date has passed by more than 7 days using the TODAY(7) function. If it is greater than 7 days, then a checkbox is checked. That checkbox is used to trigger an automation which sends a notification to a user.

My question is whether or not I have to have the sheet open for the TODAY function to work. For example if I do not open the sheet for 2 weeks, will the today function run each day anyways and add the check to the checkboxes that qualify during that time period and then trigger the automation? Or do I have to have the sheet open and active for the sheet to update?

Sam

Andrée Starå

Hi @Sam Chan

I hope you're well and safe!

The sheet(s) must be "activated" to update the TODAY function.

Please have a look at my post below with 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.

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