We've added a created_at  timestamp field to all data export resources to provide better insight into when resources were originally created in Orb.

What is the created_at timestamp?

The created_at field captures the exact moment when a resource (customer, subscription, invoice, etc.) was first created in Orb's system, regardless of when it was last modified or when other business events occurred.

How is it different from other timestamps?

• created_at: When the resource was originally created in Orb
• updated_at: When the resource was last modified
• start_date/end_date: Business-specific dates (e.g., when a subscription starts/ends)

How to use it

The created_at timestamp is particularly valuable for:

• Historical analysis: Re-create analyses representative of a specific point in time
• Backdated actions: Distinguish between when something was created vs. when it was backdated to take effect
• Data auditing: Track the chronological order of resource creation
• Cohort analysis: Group customers or subscriptions by their actual creation date, not their business effective date

For example, if you backdate a subscription to start January 1st but create it on February 15th:

• start_date = January 1st (business effective date)
• created_at = February 15th (when it was actually created in Orb)

  This enables you to analyze "all subscriptions created in February" vs. "all subscriptions starting in January."

Availability

The created_at field is available immediately for new data export records. Historical data will be backfilled over the next 8+ weeks, so you may see null values for older resources during this period.

Documentation:

For additional details, check out our docs.