> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.slm.m1amdocs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# AutoBill.activate

Use the `activate` method to start an existing `AutoBill` that was created with a deferred start date (`unknownStart` = `True`) and is in status: `Pending Activation`. Calling `activate` sets the `startTimestamp` to *today* and initiates the billing process.

## Input

*srd*: sparse response description, a SOAP string (which must be a JSON object), in which you specify the elements you want returned.This parameter enables the calling system to constrain a `method` call to return only components you specify. This gives you greater control over returned content, and improves response time within the Vindicia platform by reducing the processing needed for the call.

Some fields are required, either practically or in the WSDL, and will be returned regardless of the *srd*. A null *srd* returns the complete response.

*auth*: credentials required to authenticate this request.

*autobill*: the object of type `AutoBill` to activate.

## Output

*status*: the status of the activated `AutoBill`.

*return*: an object of type `Return` that indicates the success or failure of the call.

## Returns

In addition to those listed in [The Return Object](The_Return_Object), this call returns:

| Return Code | Return String |
| - | - |
| `400` | One of the following: - `Unable to load AutoBill.` - `Unable to activate.` |

## Example

```

//---unknownStart---
autobill->update( unknownStart => 1 );

autobillId = autobill->id();
.
.
//once ready to start autobill
autobill->load( autobillId )->activate();

//---knownStart---
nextWeek = Date->nextWeek();

autobill->update( startTimestamp => nextWeek );
autobillId = autobill->id();
.
.
//if ready prior to startTimestamp, autobill can activate
autobill->load( autobillId )->activate();
```

**Parent topic:**[AutoBill Methods](../topics/AutoBill_Methods)


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