Things to consider when setting up a new inventory: Equipment ID’s must have 3 digits to be read by most barcode scanners. If you want to start with "1" then you should start with “001" or “101". You should consider the entire collection before assigning the ID’s.
The Equipment ID is essential to the Equipment Inventory Database. Each item must have a unique ID number. The ID number can contain numbers only or letters and numbers. When you add a new equipment piece record you will be asked to assign a new ID or accept the next ID in the sequence. Please note that ID numbers can start with one or more letters - such as ACC-001or FIX-145. Tag ID's can end with a letter but the program will not be able to increment the number (add one to get the next number). Please note that Tag ID's cannot start and end with a letter.
Sample ID #
Acceptable?
Reason
12345
OK
ACC-521
OK
1256a
Not Recommended
BBD-123-A
Not Allowed
Cannot have letters at the beginning and end of the ID.
1
Allowed but not a good idea
Barcode scanners must have 3 digits, i.e. “001" or “101".
Understanding how the “next number” is calculated
When a new Equipment record is added and the next number in sequence is calculated the program will look only at the numbers within the ID number. See some examples below.
Current Number
Next number
Explanation
12345
12346
12345 + 1 = 12346
AAC-521
AAC-522
521+1 - Prefix stays the same
If you are copying an equipment piece record the program will do it’s best to assign the next number in sequence. If the calculated ID number is not correct - you can always change it by clicking on the “#” button next to the Tag ID field.
