Property Calculator referencing a master document.

Question

Hi All I have a question to those using the Property Calculator. Is it possible for the calculator to look up a master document to get a parameter for a calculation? We have a master document that stores information around an equipment type, including inspection and periodic maintenance periods. To change the dates an approval process is used so that we have traceability. 
 When a new piece of equipment arrives, it is linked to the relevant master so that the inspection and maintenance actions for the future can be created. So at that point I want the Calculator to look up the relevant period information to create the inspection and periodic maintenance dates on the new documents. Is that possible?

Juuso Suominen · Answer

Hi, 
 Unfortunately "Period Length" and "Count date or time" mode does not support reading values outside of the object. (This is something we have planned to change) 
 
 Currently there is 2 ways to implement similar feature: 
 1. Copy dates to object before calculation 
 So if you are for example counting period length, you can read needed properties from related object before calculation. 
 
 If you want, those copied information can be removed from metadata after calculation by adding following rule after calculation 
 
 2. Use "Calculate Expression" mode instead of "Period Length" 
 If you are trying to calculate period in days, it can also be counted with Calculate expression mode. If you are reading values from related Project object, configuration could look like following:

Maybe one of these would solve your use case.