Periods are units of time and date ranges for the data displayed in the Phocas grid. These are most commonly months or years, although they can be customized by administrators. In Phocas, a 'period' is often actually two date ranges: A current period and a comparative previous period. 

The Periods button automatically displays the default period for the selected database. For example, in the image below the button shows the default as 'Rolling 12 months'. 

The way periods display in the grid depends on the mode selected, as different modes will show different columns.  

You can select a defined period, set a custom period or, if you have permission, save a custom period. 

How to select a period 

Select Period and choose a period from the dropdown list. The easiest choice is a defined period set by an administrator (e.g., Period > Last month). The Period button will display your selection and the data in your grid will update accordingly. 

Custom periods

• If you have permission to save a custom period, you will also see any custom periods that you have saved (e.g., in the image above Period > 'Sept Oct last two years').  
  
• Users who do not have this permission can still set a custom period, which can be saved as part of a favorite but not as a permanent custom period. 

Set a period

• Using offset dates for a dynamic date range

Choose a default period for a database

You can select a defined period as the default for a database so that each time you open that database those dates will be shown. You can do this for each database to which you have access.