Assigning Order Numbers

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hallc - 11 Mar 2008 21:16 GMT

I am trying to figure out how to make an InfoPath form automatically assign a
sequential unique order number to a form each time it is completed, and
submitted. I am not a programmer or trained developer, so I am not able to
go into the background and use XML coding language, I have to rely on the
wizards and built-in helps. We are a small program, so we want something
simple like 001, 002, 003, 004, etc. The form is going to be posted to the
internet and our intranet for people to request written materials. I looked
at the last post on this issue, and the solution, while functional, creates
an overly complex order number when we need small and simple.

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Clay Fox - 11 Mar 2008 22:23 GMT

I know it seams simple but it is not, without the proper architecture.

It is easy to create an incrmental number in a form. The challenge is
uniqueness across multiple order forms and with multiple users possibly
creating orders at the same time.
being sequential adds difficulty too since you can not use a random number
or one based on time, etc.
In this case you need one numbering authority that all forms go to get the
next number.

This can be SharePoint but the challenge is; there is no way to ensure
uniqueness if two people are creating a form at the same time. Also there are
scenarios where your sequence is disrupted.

Best practice is to use a database, which already has the ability to create
this numbering and can set the number on submit eliminating the risk of
duplication.

You may have a small shop but the order process is a critical one and will
probably require some backend capability.
Database integration would also allow you to view your data in web reports
and to utilize the data in other processes such as invoicing or customer
forms.
InfoPath is still the best option I feel, because you can develop and deploy
it so quickly and easily, but this project will require the proper
architecture.
I could show you some examples if needed.

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Clay Fox / Microsoft InfoPath MVP
www.InfoPathDev.com / The InfoPath Authority / Downloads, Samples, How-To,
Experts, Forum

> I am trying to figure out how to make an InfoPath form automatically assign a
> sequential unique order number to a form each time it is completed, and
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> at the last post on this issue, and the solution, while functional, creates
> an overly complex order number when we need small and simple.

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hallc - 11 Mar 2008 22:32 GMT

We can give up the sequential component if we can still have unique numbers
for each request. If it can set the number based on submit, that will also
be workable, as I have set the form up to submit via email to our office.

We do have SharePoint, but not all of our users (county health departments)
are on line using SharePoint (roughly half of them are not). So that is not
an option. We also have outside customers who do not have access to our
SharePoint network.

At this point, our program gets less than one or two orders per day for
materials, so we are not usually swamped with requests.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

> I know it seams simple but it is not, without the proper architecture.
>
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
> > at the last post on this issue, and the solution, while functional, creates
> > an overly complex order number when we need small and simple.

Reply to this Message

Clay Fox - 11 Mar 2008 22:50 GMT

Then I would concat the date and time when they submit to be the Order Number.

You can make a 200803110531 type of number.

The likely hood they will submit at the exact same time should be pretty low.

So you are publishing this form via email.
They are submitting via email.

The only pains are making sure they have the latest form version and that
they have InfoPath.

Signature

Clay Fox / Microsoft InfoPath MVP
www.InfoPathDev.com / The InfoPath Authority / Downloads, Samples, How-To,
Experts, Forum

> We can give up the sequential component if we can still have unique numbers
> for each request. If it can set the number based on submit, that will also
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
> > > at the last post on this issue, and the solution, while functional, creates
> > > an overly complex order number when we need small and simple.

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Bumski44 - 20 May 2008 21:22 GMT

Clay,

I am working where all of my users have access to a shared drive on a file
server where I plan on holding my Work Order form. I know nothing about
SharePoint exactly, or the web service y'all are talking about. I have my
form ready to go, but just need to find out how to do the autonumbering on
the work order number. Each user will be opening the form from the shared
drive, so each person will not have their own copy of the form. Does that
make anything easier for the autonumbering? Sequential numbering is not an
issue, but is preferred. I dont know much about Access either, so I am
looking for something that will just autopopulate the work order number on
submit. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Chris

> Then I would concat the date and time when they submit to be the Order Number.
>
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
> > > > at the last post on this issue, and the solution, while functional, creates
> > > > an overly complex order number when we need small and simple.

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