To create a new number sequence: exclusively in 2012
1. On the Number sequences list page, in the New group, click Number sequence. The details page opens.
2. Enter a new code and name for the new number sequence on the Identification FastTab.
3. Select a scope on the Scope parameters FastTab. Depending on the scope selected, enter the appropriate segment values. For example, if the scope is Company, select the company for which this number sequence is being defined.
Note Although the Legal entity and Company scopes are technically equivalent, for ease of use, we have decided to keep them as separate scopes.
The Company scope is used for all references for which the underlying table is a “per company” table that uses the DataAreaId field and whose SaveDataPerCompany property is set to “Yes”. For example, this scope is used for the number sequence for the customer account number in the Customer table (CustTable).
The Legal entity scope should be used for references for which the underlying table is not a “per company” table and which holds a foreign key (FK) to the CompanyInfo (also known as “legal entity”) table. The number sequence for the expense report number in the Expense Report (TrvExpTable) table uses this scope.
4. Define the format for the new number sequence by adding new segments and by using predefined segment values on the Segments FastTab. Rearrange the segments according to your required format. Literals are entered as constant segments, and actual numbers are specified as alphanumeric segments. Microsoft Dynamics AX allows you to enter an alphanumeric segment by using the wildcard symbol “#” for numbers and “?” for letters.
The format for the segments is generated as an alphanumeric number sequence. Microsoft Dynamics AX also allows you to split this number sequence into multiple parts, consisting of constant and alphanumeric segments. At least one alphanumeric segment must be present. Segments such as company or legal entity are not mandatory in the format definition. However, they are still used for partitioning the numbers generated for a reference, based on the selected scope.
5. Add a new reference on the References FastTab to assign this number sequence to a reference. This step is not mandatory for sequences defined for special application usage patterns that return a new number by passing in the value of a number sequence code or ID without using a reference.
Note The enhanced number sequence framework supports patterns that were previously supported in the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 API, which return a new number by passing in the value of a number sequence code without using a reference (for example, in a voucher series used for specific journal names). However, use of these patterns is not recommended.
6. Specify whether the number sequence is manual, and continuous or noncontinuous on the General FastTab. Also enter the lowest and highest number in the number sequence series in this FastTab. Enter other relevant information for this number sequence here.
7. Save the number sequence and close the form.
Administration
The administration of number sequences is performed by using actions provided in the Administration group on the action pane on the Number sequences list page.
Status list: Provides a list of numbers that have been generated for continuous number sequences, but which have not been committed to the database. The numbers are either currently being used in a user session, are reserved for future use in a user session, or are free for use if a new client user session requests a new number for a particular number sequence in the list. If a new number does not exist for a specific continuous number sequence, it is generated by the sequence number framework from the next value for that number sequence in the Number sequence table (NumberSequenceTable).
Manual cleanup: Allows the administrator to manually clean up numbers in the status list. Use of this option is only recommended after an unexpected system failure; in such rare circumstances, numbers might not be automatically cleaned up.
History: Provides the history of changes to the number sequences themselves
1. On the Number sequences list page, in the New group, click Number sequence. The details page opens.
2. Enter a new code and name for the new number sequence on the Identification FastTab.
3. Select a scope on the Scope parameters FastTab. Depending on the scope selected, enter the appropriate segment values. For example, if the scope is Company, select the company for which this number sequence is being defined.
Note Although the Legal entity and Company scopes are technically equivalent, for ease of use, we have decided to keep them as separate scopes.
The Company scope is used for all references for which the underlying table is a “per company” table that uses the DataAreaId field and whose SaveDataPerCompany property is set to “Yes”. For example, this scope is used for the number sequence for the customer account number in the Customer table (CustTable).
The Legal entity scope should be used for references for which the underlying table is not a “per company” table and which holds a foreign key (FK) to the CompanyInfo (also known as “legal entity”) table. The number sequence for the expense report number in the Expense Report (TrvExpTable) table uses this scope.
4. Define the format for the new number sequence by adding new segments and by using predefined segment values on the Segments FastTab. Rearrange the segments according to your required format. Literals are entered as constant segments, and actual numbers are specified as alphanumeric segments. Microsoft Dynamics AX allows you to enter an alphanumeric segment by using the wildcard symbol “#” for numbers and “?” for letters.
The format for the segments is generated as an alphanumeric number sequence. Microsoft Dynamics AX also allows you to split this number sequence into multiple parts, consisting of constant and alphanumeric segments. At least one alphanumeric segment must be present. Segments such as company or legal entity are not mandatory in the format definition. However, they are still used for partitioning the numbers generated for a reference, based on the selected scope.
5. Add a new reference on the References FastTab to assign this number sequence to a reference. This step is not mandatory for sequences defined for special application usage patterns that return a new number by passing in the value of a number sequence code or ID without using a reference.
Note The enhanced number sequence framework supports patterns that were previously supported in the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 API, which return a new number by passing in the value of a number sequence code without using a reference (for example, in a voucher series used for specific journal names). However, use of these patterns is not recommended.
6. Specify whether the number sequence is manual, and continuous or noncontinuous on the General FastTab. Also enter the lowest and highest number in the number sequence series in this FastTab. Enter other relevant information for this number sequence here.
7. Save the number sequence and close the form.
Administration
The administration of number sequences is performed by using actions provided in the Administration group on the action pane on the Number sequences list page.
Status list: Provides a list of numbers that have been generated for continuous number sequences, but which have not been committed to the database. The numbers are either currently being used in a user session, are reserved for future use in a user session, or are free for use if a new client user session requests a new number for a particular number sequence in the list. If a new number does not exist for a specific continuous number sequence, it is generated by the sequence number framework from the next value for that number sequence in the Number sequence table (NumberSequenceTable).
Manual cleanup: Allows the administrator to manually clean up numbers in the status list. Use of this option is only recommended after an unexpected system failure; in such rare circumstances, numbers might not be automatically cleaned up.
History: Provides the history of changes to the number sequences themselves