What are Snapshots and how can I use them?

Snapshots are automations that will store an original record and any updates.

Snapshot automation generates two log book entries: the Original record (i.e., the state before the snapshot) and the Snapshot record (the updated version of the record). These two entries allow for tracking changes made to a field on any record.

Use Case 1:

I want to run a report that shows me the date my volunteers became “Active” in the system.

In order to track this change using a Snapshot type automation, first identify the type of record. In this case, the Volunteer record and the field “Activity Status” when it equals active.

Setting up the Automation

Type

Snapshots are available for the Volunteer Profile In this case, the snapshot will track the volunteer's Activity Status. Other fields, such as Attachment Type UDFs are available as well.

TRIGGER

In this case, the trigger is set to “on update”
and on the field change when Activity Status value is changed to Active.

ACTIONS

When setting the Action, note the Snapshot Name and select which Snapshot fields you wish to record. In this case, Activity Status. Set the Action to “Create a Profile Snapshot”. On the main grid, filter for snapshot type automation with the camera icon.

 

 

 

Before the automation: View from the Grid view from the Volunteer tab

 

After the Automation: View from the Log Book Grid and Entry

Note the two entries are created at the same time. One shows “Snapshot Type” and the other “Original”. Select the Original record to see the setting of the Activity Status prior to update.

Snapshot type can be found among the Log Book Fields

Regular fields from the Volunteer Profile can be used.

Display entry types as
“Profile Snapshot.”