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:

  1. Apply a year element (e.g., FY 2024) to a row
  2. Apply a quarter component (e.g., Q4) to a column
  3. The intersection resolves to Q4 2024 specifically

See the Components section under Time in the Elements tab. Components are listed under Time → Components in the Reporting pane.