Importance of Database and User Time Zone – RBox

Summary
RBox allows setting time zone information both at the overall database level as well as for each individual user in RBox.

1. Details
This article explains the implications of the time zone setting in both these places on using various features in RBox. Defining the time zone at the database level and for each individual user enables organizations more flexibility in managing geographically dispersed teams where users may be working remotely from different time zones.

However when you define different time zones for the database and for individual users you need to be aware of the effects of such a configuration in the usage and management of RBox features within your team.

1.1 Database Time Zone
When creating a new user, RBoxt sets the default time zone to be the same as the database time zone. You can change this to any other time zone for the user.

RBox uses the database time zone for specifying the date/time for all internal activities.

This includes:

Automatic Scheduled Mass Mail generation/sending time
System email account cleanup schedule
On-demand Data backup/export process

1.2 User Time Zone
RBox uses the time zone set at the user level for all activity done by the logged-on user.

Actions performed by a user are recorded as per the logged-on user's time zone
Pending task date/time and notifications are generated as per the logged-on user's time zone
All Reminder Notifications are displayed with regard to the logged-on user's time zone
All date-time values displayed in data views for a user such as Audit & Support, Job requirement start date, log entries, new item creation such as new note, candidates etc. are in the logged-on user's time zone

a. Multiple User Time Zone Scenarios
In scenarios where 2 users are in different time zones, RBox will show the same activity as per the time zone of each user.

Example 1:

Lets assume User-1 has set his/her time zone as “Eastern Time (USA)” and User 2 has set his/her time zone as “Pacific Time (USA)”.

Now when User-1 performs some activity (e.g. updating recruiting status, adding a candidate to the database etc.), when it is shown to User-2, it is displayed with respect to the date-time in the time zone of User-2.

2. Related Resources