Understanding the Issue
The SFMC documentation currently states that a date type in a data extension can range from 01/01/1753 to 12/31/9999. However, this does not account for the fact that SQL Server, which underlies SFMC’s data extensions, rounds datetime fractional second precision. This means that attempting to import a date like 12/31/9999 23:59:59.999 will result in it being rounded up to the next date, which falls outside the allowed scope.
The root cause of this issue is the difference between the SFMC documentation and the underlying SQL Server behavior. The documentation does not account for the rounding of datetime fractional second precision, leading to unexpected behavior when importing dates close to the maximum allowed value.
Proposed Solution
To resolve this issue, it is recommended that the SFMC documentation be updated to reflect the maximum allowed date as 12/31/9999 23:59:59.998. This will ensure that users are aware of the potential issue and can plan accordingly.
SFMC Documentation Update
A system date, from 01/01/1753 to 12/31/9999 23:59:59.998
Best Practices
To avoid issues with date types in SFMC data extensions, it is recommended to keep the following best practices in mind:
Date Type Best Practices
- Be aware of the maximum allowed date value in SFMC data extensions (12/31/9999 23:59:59.998)
- Use caution when importing dates close to the maximum allowed value
- Test date imports thoroughly to ensure they are being rounded correctly
- Consider using alternative date formats, such as epoch time, to avoid issues with datetime fractional second precision
- Stay up-to-date with the latest SFMC documentation and release notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum allowed date value in SFMC data extensions?
12/31/9999 23:59:59.998
Why does SFMC round datetime fractional second precision?
This is due to the underlying SQL Server behavior, which rounds datetime fractional second precision.
How can I avoid issues with date types in SFMC data extensions?
By following best practices, such as being aware of the maximum allowed date value and testing date imports thoroughly.
What is the recommended format for dates in SFMC data extensions?
The recommended format is a system date, from 01/01/1753 to 12/31/9999 23:59:59.998.
Need help shipping this in production?
Genetrix builds and untangles Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Agentforce setups for teams that want it done right the first time. If anything in this post sounds familiar, talk to us before it ships.
