Many of you already know about Excel’s DATE function. The function is used to create a date by defining specific values for the year, month and day.
DATE(2020,7,20) gives a result of 7/20/2020.
And some of you know that you can also use formulas to calculate a date.
If a value of 5 exists in cell C4 then
DATE(2020,7,20+C4) gives a result of 7/25/2020.
But did you know that the formula will also check for valid dates and, if needed, shift the month automatically?
DATE(2020,7,35) gives a result of 8/4/2020
(since there are not 35 days in July!)
and
DATE(2020,7,30+C4) gives the same result
Not only can this formula be used to calculate variable dates, but it will also ensure that you don’t incorrectly calculate a value that doesn’t exist on the calendar. After all, we wouldn’t want Julius Caesar coming back to question our use of “his” month!
IBM Planning Analytics, which TM1 is the engine for, is full of new features and functionality. Not sure where to start? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. And stay tuned for more Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!
Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:
IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Map Charts
IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Sparklines
IBM Planning Analytics: Learn the Excel CELL Formula
