Create Fixed Date Columns
How to prevent date columns from rolling forward when using relative time elements.
Problem: You’ve set up a report with relative time elements (like “Current Month,” “Prior Month”) so it always shows recent data. But you want certain columns to stay fixed at a specific historical date — not roll forward with time.
Why relative dates roll
When you create a report using relative time elements, OfficeConnect automatically advances them when you refresh — “Current Month” always shows the current month. This is great for rolling reports but not for fixed comparisons.
Fix: Switch the time element to Absolute
1
In the report, select the column with the date you want to fix
2
In the Reporting pane, click the Review tab
3
Find the time element in the left pane
Right-click on the calendar element listed under that column.
4
Select View/Edit
5
Uncheck 'Make Date Relative to Book'
6
Click OK and refresh
The column now shows a fixed date that won’t advance when you refresh.
Using Component Dates for fixed period combinations
Component dates let you create combinations like “Q4 of FY 2024” without locking a single absolute date:
7
Apply a year element to a row
Drag a year element (e.g.,
FY 2024) from the Reporting pane onto a row.8
Apply a quarter component to a column
Drag a quarter component (e.g.,
Q4) from the Reporting pane onto a column.9
Refresh to resolve the intersection
The intersection resolves to Q4 2024 specifically. Click Refresh to populate the data.
See the Components section under Time in the Elements tab. Components are listed under Time → Components in the Reporting pane.