In automation, how do I change the "due date" field based on a change in another custom date field?

[Scott Pelton-Stroud]

I have an issue with custom field "Start date", and I would like to edit the "due date" field of the same issue based on changes to this Start date. Specifically, if the "Start date" is increased by one week, then I would like the "due date" (which is distinct) to also increase by one week.

I have been trying to create an automation for this, but it seems my smart values are non-functioning. I am using the following set up:

Trigger: When value changes for "Start date"

Condition: key = HR-4044 (to isolate testing to one issue)

Action: Then edit issue field "Due date" to: {{issue.duedate.plusDays(fieldChange.from.diff(fieldChange.to).days)}}

The above automation results in no errors but an empty "due date" field... The above underlined smart value seems to be the issue. I have confirmed using a strict number in the smart value works fine (ie {{issue.duedate.plusDays(30)}} ), and I tested some smart values in the description to learn more.

The following smart values in the description...

1. {{fieldChange.from.diff(fieldChange.to).days}}

2. {{now.diff(fieldChange.to).days}}

3. {{fieldChange.from.diff(now).days}}

4. {{now.diff(issue.created).days}}

5. {{fieldChange.from}}

6. {{fieldChange.toString}}

7. {{now.diff(xx).days}}

...create the following result:

1.

2.

3.

4. 0

5. 2022-03-10

6. 17/Mar/22

7. 

So it seems fieldChange.from and fieldChange.to are not being recognized as dates in the smart value scheme {{[date1].diff([date2]).[unit]}}, which I learned from this article.

The field that's being changed, "Start date", is a custom Date Picker field.

...Any advice? If there is no solution via this method I'm trying, is there another method available?

[Stefan Salzl · Accepted solution]

Hi @Scott Pelton-Stroud ,

As far as it seems to me the {{fieldChange}} output is not a date and therefore no calculation can be done.

I just manipulated the script of your first attempt to the following:

{{fieldChange.from.toDate.diff(fieldChange.to.toDate).days}}

Converting toDate before the diff worked on my site. Please try out. Would be happy to see it working 😉

Best
Stefan

[Scott Pelton-Stroud]

That worked! Thank you very much Stefan :)

[Stefan Salzl]

You are welcome 😉🙌🏼

Would you please accept the answer? This marks the question as answered and makes it easier for other users with similar problems to find a solution 😉

Best
Stefan