Data Management Capabilities > Managing Change > About Effectivity > Syntax for Effectivity Values
  
Syntax for Effectivity Values
Effectivity values can be specified as single dates or numbers, or ranges of dates and numbers. Multiple values can be set by separating the values with commas. To indicate a range, use a dash between the starting and ending values.


Dates
When you specify date effectivity, you can optionally identify an end item.
The following table provides valid formats for dates, the resulting effectivity, and examples:
• mm represents the month
• dd represents the day
• yyyy represents the year
The format for the date is determined by the server locale.
mm/dd/yyyy
Valid only for the specified date.
For example, 07/14/2018 indicates effectivity for one day: July 14, 2018.
mm/dd/yyyy, mm/dd/yyyy
Valid for both dates, but only those dates.
For example, 07/14/2018, 07/22/2018 indicates effectivity for two days: July 14, 2018 and July 22, 2018.
mm/dd/yyyy–mm/dd/yyyy
Valid from the start date to the end date.
For example, 07/14/2018-07/22/2018 indicates effectivity for the eight days: July 14, 2018 to July 22, 2018.
mm/dd/yyyy–
Valid from the specified date onward.
For example, 07/14/2018- indicates effectivity starting on July 14, 2018 and continuing indefinitely.
* 
A partially formed date, such as –18, is invalid.


Serial Numbers and Lot Numbers
When you specify serial number or lot effectivity, an end item is required.
Use the Preference Management utility to determine the required syntax. The following preferences are applicable:
• Effectivity Management > Lot Number Format
• Effectivity Management > Serial Number Format
The following table provides valid formats for serial numbers and lot numbers and the resulting effectivity:
• n is one or more digits representing the serial number or lot number
n
Valid only for the specified number.
n, n
Valid for both the specified numbers, but only those numbers.
n-n
Valid for numbers from the first number through the second.
Use the Preference Management utility to determine the required syntax. The following preferences are applicable:
• Effectivity Management > Lot Number Format
• Effectivity Management > Serial Number Format
n–
Valid from the specified serial or lot number onward.
For example, consider the following value:
06, 08, 10–12, 14–
This indicates effectivity for the following serial or lot numbers: greater than 6, except 7, 9, and 13 (that is, 6, 8, 10 through 12, and every available number following 14).
* 
The following format is invalid: – n.