Using Calculations in ProLaw Date Fields

    How to Use Calculations in ProLaw Date Fields 

    Utilizing date calculations efficiently in ProLaw can save time and streamline your workflow. This guide walks you through the steps for maximizing the functionality of date fields in ProLaw, using shortcuts, calculations, and innovative tools built into the platform. 

    Understanding Date Field Basics 

    ProLaw allows users to enter and manipulate dates intuitively by utilizing simple shortcuts. Here’s everything you need to know to get started: 

    Inputting Dates 

    • Use Six Digits  

    Enter dates in the format ddmmyy, without spaces or slashes. For instance, typing 100322 will automatically convert to 10/03/2022 when you exit the field.  

    • Shortcut for Today’s Date  

    You can quickly input the current date by typing the letter “t” in the date field. When you exit, it will automatically convert to today’s date. 

    • Beginning or End of the Month  

    Use “BOM” (beginning of the month) or “EOM” (end of the month) to fill in the first or last day of the current month, respectively. 

    Performing Calculations in Date Fields 

    You can perform calculations directly within ProLaw date fields to save time and improve accuracy. Here’s how to make the most of this feature. 

    Using Relative Terms 

    ProLaw allows you to add or subtract days, months, and years using simple shorthand: 

    • “bd” (Business Days): Represents business days.  

    Example: t+1bd adds one business day after today’s date.  

    • “y” (Year) and “m” (Month) represent years and months.  

    Example: t-1m calculates one month before today.  

    Example: t+2y calculates two years after today.  

    • “d” (Calendar Days) stands for regular calendar days.  

    Example: “T+1” and “t+1d” both calculate tomorrow. 

    Combining Dates with Calculations 

    You can combine absolute dates with calculations too: 

    • Typing 10/01/22+5bd will return 10/07/22.  

    • Typing 062622-2m will return 04/26/2022

    Things to Keep in Mind 

    While ProLaw offers robust date-calculation tools, there are a few limitations to note: 

    • Some calculations involving bd, m, and y on advanced terms are not supported. For example: 

    • eom+15bd will not calculate the 15th business day of the next month. 

    • wednesday+1bd won’t calculate the next Thursday. 

    • First-day references like “first” are limited in advanced calculations. For instance: 

    • “first+1m” won’t add a month to the first day of the week. 

    Examples for Practice 

    Here are a few examples to help you get comfortable with ProLaw’s date calculations: 

    1. Calculate Tomorrow:  

    Enter t+1 and the system will return the next day. 

    1. One Business Day Ahead:  

    Enter t+1bd to calculate one business day after today. 

    1. Two Years in the Future:  

    Enter t+2y to compute a date two years from now. 

    1. Subtracting Months from a Specific Date:  

    Type 062622-2m to calculate two months before June 26, 2022. 

    1. End of Current Month:  

    Enter eom to get the last day of the current month. 

    Leveraging These Tools Effectively 

    By understanding and applying these date calculations, you can simplify your ProLaw data entry process, saving time and reducing errors. Use this guide to practice and improve your workflow. Over time, these shortcuts will become second nature, helping you focus on high-priority work. 

    Start experimenting with these tools today to see how they can transform your daily workflow!  

    Need More Help? 

    If you have any questions or run into any issues, please reach out to the Sophus Support Team by clicking the Contact Us button.  Thank you. 

     

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