Define a Date/Time Expression

A Date/Time expression performs date/time calculations (example: Calculate a fifteen-minute warning for an SLA).

All Date/Time expressions are applied against a 24/7 time period by default. Certain Date/Time expressions (Date/Time Math, Is Valid Date, Is Valid Date/Time) can also be applied against existing Business Hours or new Business Hours (create impromptu using the Business Hours Manager).

To define a Date/Time expression:

  1. Create an expression.
  2. In the Editor drop-down list, select Date/Time.
  3. Define the expression:
    1. Select a Date/Time expression type from the Expression Type drop-down list, and define its properties:
      • Date/Time Math: Displays calculated value based on a specified Date/Time field or calendar date (example: A 15-minute warning for an SLA).
      • Is Valid Date: Evaluates as true if the Date parameter falls within the Business Hours for the selected calendar.
      • Is Valid Date/Time: Evaluates as true if the Date/Time parameter falls within the Business Hours for the selected calendar. You can also choose a time zone against which the parameter is evaluated:
        • None: No time zone is associated with the Date/Time parameter and it is assumed to be the same time zone specified for the Business Hours calendar specified in the Working Hours drop-down list.
        • Client time zone: Associates the time zone of each user's client machine with the Date/Time parameter.
        • Server time zone: Associates the time zone of the Application Server machine with the Date/Time parameter.
        • Specific time zone: Uses a specific time zone.
      • To Minutes: Displays a Numerical expression that is applied against a specified time or field and converted into minutes.
      • To Hours: Displays a Numerical expression that is applied against a specified time or field and converted into hours.
    2. Enter positive or negative numbers in the Amount field (found in the Date/Time Math, To Minutes, and To Hours expression types).
      For example, if you select CurrentDateTime() in the Value field, type 5 in the Amount field, and select Days in the Units field returns a value of 5 days from now.

      Future Date/Time Expression Expample

      Use plus (+) or minus (-) to add or subtract time. For example, use -7 in the Amount field to return a value of 7 days ago. Be sure to exclude spaces in the amount.

      Past Date/Time Expression Example

    3. From the Calendar Type drop-down list, select a calendar type:
      • 24/7: Expression is applied 24/7.
      • Working Hours: Expression is only applied during the selected Business Hours (example: Maintenance window) or value (example: SLA.Work Hours).
  4. Select Save.