Setting up date ranges in browsing session templates and workstack filters is straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you prefer a rolling window or need to focus on a specific period, here’s everything you need to know to get it right.
🚨 Important Note
The date range is based on the date the stack is run—not the date of the stack template creation. This ensures that your filters always align with real-time data.
Understanding Date Ranges: The Basics
Date ranges are dynamic and adjust to meet your filtering needs. Let’s explore the two main options available.
1. Sliding Date Range (Rolling Date Range)
This is the default option and provides a flexible way to create a rolling window of time.
Unit Type: Select the unit of measurement (e.g., days, weeks, months).
Past Units: Enter how far back in time to include.
Future Units: Specify how far forward in time to include.
💡 Example:
If you want to track sales orders from the past two months:
Unit Type: Months
Past Units: 2
Future Units: 0
This configuration dynamically updates each time you run the stack, showing all sales orders from the last two months.
2. Period Date Range
The period range lets you focus on specific calendar periods. Options include:
Today
This Week
This Month
This Quarter
This Year
You can also add an offset to refine your range:
Negative (-): Look at previous periods (e.g., -1 for last week).
Positive (+): Focus on future periods (e.g., +1 for next month).
💡 Example 1:
For expiry tracking over the past six months:
Use a period range.
Unit Type: Months
Units: -6
💡 Example 2:
For expiry tracking over the next six months:
Use a period range.
Unit Type: Months
Units: 6
📝 Note
Specifying '0' in either the Past or Future fields means no filter will be applied in that direction. This is a handy way to focus on a specific timeframe without limiting one side of your range.
Switching Between Sliding and Period Ranges
Switching modes is simple! Use the Switch to Period or Switch to Sliding Range button to toggle between the two options. Some stack types may only support one of these modes, so check your template’s capabilities.
📝 Note
Some stack types may not offer both options, so make sure to check your template’s capabilities.
Practical Applications
Expiry Tracking: Use a sliding range for the last 3–6 months to ensure no expiries are missed.
Sales Monitoring: Analyse data from the current quarter or last 30 days to stay on top of trends.
Custom Timelines: Create a 50-day range by combining 10 days in the past and 40 days in the future.
Pro Tips
Understand Your Goal: Decide whether you need a rolling (sliding range) or fixed (period range) timeline.
Verify Your Settings: Test various configurations to see how they affect your data view.
Remember the Key Rule: The date range is always based on when the stack is run, ensuring your filters stay dynamic and relevant.
Use '0' Wisely: Setting a '0' in either the Past or Future field removes the filter for that direction, allowing you to customise the range as needed.
By mastering these tools, you’ll have complete control over your data filters, enabling smarter decisions and smoother workflows. Happy filtering! 🎉