How to Retrieve the Last Published Date in Project Online
Question details
Determine if there is a method to access the last published date of a project for use within an enterprise custom field formula.
- Product
- Project Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up enterprise custom field formulas in Project Online or SharePoint Online that require the exact date a project was last published.
- Observed behavior
- Project Online and SharePoint Online do not natively provide a related field that exposes the last published date for formula use.
Verify your administrative permissions in Project Online, as implementing custom API workarounds requires elevated access to your environment's backend data.
Implement a Custom Solution using Project Server API
Since native fields are not available, utilize the Project Server API or JSON scripts to programmatically fetch the last published date.
Project Online does not expose the last published date as a default enterprise custom field. To bypass this limitation, developers can use the Project Server REST API or CSOM to query project properties and retrieve the last published timestamp.
Locate the Project Server REST API endpoint for your specific Project Web App (PWA) instance.
Write a JSON script or REST query targeting the specific project's properties, filtering for the 'LastPublishedDate' or equivalent server-side metadata.
Configure your script or use an automation tool to push the retrieved date value into a standard enterprise custom date field so it can be evaluated in your formulas.
Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft
Request native support for the last published date field via official Microsoft channels.
Looking for a Lighter Way to Manage Project Data? Try WPS Office
While Project Online handles complex enterprise portfolios, many teams effectively manage project timelines, tasks, and tracking using spreadsheets. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to build dynamic project trackers without complex API setups.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
- 2. Open Your Project Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) project tracking files.
- 3. Manage Project Dates: Use built-in date functions and conditional formatting to track project updates, publish dates, and deadlines effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Power Automate to get the last published date in Project Online?
Yes, you can create a Power Automate flow to query the Project Server API via an HTTP request, retrieve the last published date, and update a custom field automatically when a project is published.
Does the Microsoft Project desktop client show the last published date?
The desktop client primarily tracks the last saved date or project status date. The specific 'Last Published' timestamp is a server-side property managed exclusively by Project Online.
Will Microsoft add a native last published date field in the future?
Microsoft relies heavily on user feedback to prioritize new features. Submitting or upvoting this specific request through the official Project Feedback Community is the best way to encourage its development.
