Timestamp for GXL Formulas
A timestamp formula adds a date and user timestamp for the last time all GXL formulas in a sheet were refreshed. This functionality specifically applies to GXL formulas.
The formula can be added multiple times within a report, but all instances will reflect the same information. Therefore, adding the formula more than once on a single sheet does not provide additional value.
Benefits
Indicates the last time GXL-driven reports were refreshed.
Identifies who performed the refresh.
Provides a quick visual reference to ensure the most up-to-date data is used for financial reports.
Prerequisites
By default, Spreadsheet Server automatically recalculates values against the data source upon launching, ensuring you receive the latest data in your reports.
If you prefer to refresh your reports manually rather than automatically when Excel launches, you can achieve this by unchecking the Clear cache and Recalculate when Excel Starts box in Settings under General > Standard Options.
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If this box is checked, your reports will recalculate automatically when Excel opens, displaying the date and user who last refreshed the GXL-driven reports.
Enable Timestamp Formula
Select any cell in a sheet and navigate to the Tools dropdown menu.
Select Data Refresh Timestamp.
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This action inserts the timestamp into the selected cell.
Alternatively, the formula can be created by using
=SSTimestamp()in a cell. Simply close the bracket and press Enter.-
To update the timestamp, follow these steps under the Data Refresh option:
All Workbooks: Displays the same user and date for all tabs across all workbooks.
Current Workbook: Displays the same user and date for all tabs within the currently selected workbook.
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Current Sheet: Displays the user and date for the last refresh of the specific tab/sheet.
Note: Each tab/sheet may show different values if the reports have not been updated recently.
Selected: This option does not affect the timestamp, as it is intended to update the entire sheet rather than specific formulas.
Delete or Remove Timestamp
Simply clear the cell containing the =SSTimestamp() formula by selecting it and clicking Delete or right-clicking and selecting Clear Contents.