1. You can use SQL expressions to calculate from-to dates and to filter the data directly in the database. This will be the easiest and fastest way within Crystal reports.
2. If you don't want to use SQL expressions and you don't have subreports you can create a shell report and add your report as a subreport. Obviously, your report should have some parameters for from-to. You can set those parameters with Crystal formulas created in the shell report.
3. If you have subreport you can create formulas and use them in the record selection formula. This will be slow since Crystal will download all the data and will filter it locally. Use this method if your tables are small and you do not expect to grow.
4. If you are going to automate the report most likely you are going to use some software to run it. Use the software to calculate and set the parameters' values. If you are looking for such software, please review this document for some basic options: http://r-tag.com/Content/Documents/R-TagFormulas.p... including relative dates like from yesterday 4:00 PM to today 2:00 AM. These options are supported by our free edition available here: http://r-tag.com/Pages/CommunityEdition.aspx

www.R-Tag.com Viewer and Scheduler for Crystal reports, SSRS and Dynamic Dashboards.