Number Sequencing

A number sequence is a combination of alphanumeric characters and constants that are applied to generate a sequence. Number sequences are used to generate readable, unique identifiers for master data records and transaction records. A master data record or transaction record that requires an identifier is referred to as a reference. Number sequences are configured as default upon deployment of the environment, but changes can be made according to business requirements. GYDE365 advise configuring number sequences to generate automatically as this provides the most seamless and faultless experience.

Number sequences are used to create readable, unique identifiers for master data records and transaction records. The number sequence can then be used by users to refer to an individual transaction or data record.

Business X are adopting a new ERP system and before entering any data they have configured their number sequence format for licence plates as follows;

Constant: LP

Constant: –

Alphanumeric: ##########

Now, each time a new license plate is created, it will be assigned a reference following the sequence, LP-0000000001, LP-0000000002, LP-0000000003 and so on.

Within Dynamics 365 each module presents a section to review, change and configure number sequence formats. A full list of the available number sequences for the stock and warehouse management modules can be found in the respective Number sequences tab in Stock management > Setup > Stock and warehouse management parameters and
Warehouse management > Setup > Warehouse management parameters. Some of the number sequence references that are available for management within the stock and warehouse management modules are;

• Batch/Serial No.: Unique key for batch/serial numbers. The key is used when creating batch/serial numbers automatically via number groups.
• Load ID: The identification number for the load
• Container ID: The container identification number

Each number sequence reference is made up of a series of settings.

Dynamics 365 is deployed with number sequence references fully configured. The setup is logical and functional. However should business requirements deem a custom number sequence format necessary, they can be adapted accordingly.

GYDE365 recommend adopting automatic number sequencing to eradicate errors and remove manual intervention in the sequencing process. Assigning number sequences automatically based upon a pre-defined default or custom combination is offers the lowest risk and highest value approach to sequence application.