1. Home
  2. Docs
  3. Master Form
  4. Definitions
  5. Compute a Date or Timestamp

Compute a Date or Timestamp

Use this calculation type on a master form to create a definition result that takes a starting date or timestamp and adds or subtracts time to get a new date or timestamp. A timestamp consists of a date and time of day.

You can add/subtract time in following units:

  • Seconds
  • Minutes
  • Hours
  • Days
  • Weeks
  • Years

Months can not be added with this function as months have a variety of durations.

Configuration

These are the basic steps to configure this calculation type. Formever will lead you through as you point and click.

  1. Label the definition
  2. Select the starting date or timestamp
  3. Specify the type of operation (add or subtract)
  4. Select the time to add or subtract
'Compute a date or timestamp' in the list of calculation types

Step 1 - Label Definition

Give the definition a descriptive label. This doesn’t have to be done first. But make sure you provide a descriptive label before filing the master form. Since definitions are used throughout the system a descriptive label is recommended.

Doing it first serves as a reminder of what you are trying to accomplish as you configure the definition. 

After Naming the Definition

Step 2 - Select the Starting Date or Timestamp

Using Current Date as the starting date

Select the starting date or timestamp for the calculation by clicking on the ‘Current Date’ text to cycle through the following:

  • Current date
  • First day of accounting period
  • Last day of accounting period
  • Current date time
  • First day of fiscal year
  • Last day of fiscal year
  • From date or timestamp field

If ‘From date or timestamp field’ is selected you need to select an existing field or definition as shown below. Click on the ‘Select a field’ text directly below the ‘From date or timestamp field’ text to open the field chooser. 

Using 'From a date or timestamp field' as the starting date
Field chooser opened to select the field as the starting date or timestamp

Step 3 - Select the type of operation (add or subtract)

After selecting the starting date or timestamp select wether to Add or Subtract time. Click on the text beside the label ‘Add or Subtract’ 

Step 4 - Select the time to add or subtract

Choose to add/subtract a time amount or choose a quantity field or definition containing a time value.

Click on the ‘Enter Time’ text to switch between the choices.

Selecting to add a time value
Selecting to add from a field

Enter Time

If you chose a time amount then type in a value. Select the type of unit by clicking on the ‘Enter unit here’ text to open the unit chooser. Only valid time units will be offered. 

You can add/subtract time in following units:

  • Seconds
  • Minutes
  • Hours
  • Days
  • Weeks
  • Years

Months can not be added with this function as months have a variety of durations. 

Showing the Unit Chooser
After choosing day units

Select Time from a Field

If you choose to use a time amount from a field or definition click on the ‘Select a field’ text beside the Field label. This will open the field chooser. 

Only valid quantity fields and definitions will be offered in the field chooser. Valid quantity fields and definitions will have the following units:

  • Seconds
  • Minutes
  • Hours
  • Days
  • Weeks
  • Years

Months can not be added with this function as months have a variety of durations. 

Click on the ‘Select a field’ text next the ‘Time’ label to open the field chooser. Then choose a field or definition.

Selecting to add from a field

How can we help?