Hi Ken,

I agree with you regarding randomly generated invoice numbers in theory, however in practice, when you're trying to resolve issues like mechanical failures -as in you might need to reprint a batch of invoices because the toner cartridge ran out or the paper jammed) having a clearly distinguishable number range is a blessing. It also keeps Betty in the mail room from asking the eternal question: "What kind of idiot would print a batch of invoices like this?". :)

Hugh

>>Hi Eric,
>>
>>>>>If I include all the zip codes, and then a paper jam happens, it would be difficult to determin exactly what pages were trashed (there are no page numbers on the report). Or am I being paranoid about a papter jam?
>>
>>>>How are the invoice numbers assigned?
>>
>>> They are randomly generated.
>>
>>Now THAT is unique!
>>
>>Some questions: If the invoice numbers are randomly generated how would you know if one was missing? If it's not important to you to tell if invoices are missing, why send them in the first place?
>>
>>Might I suggest that you sort on zipcode and group by major zipcode division (ie the 4th or 5th digit -per a discussion with the postmaster) and then generate your invoice numbers sequentially. So if you have a paper jam you would know to re-issue invoice numbers greater than 9999987 and less than 9999999.
>>
>>I hope you don't randomly generate your check numbers too! :)
>>
>>Hugh
>
>Hi Hugh,
>
>Spoken like a true accountant. But I think you are too harsh. Sometimes invoice numbers are related to other documents and sometimes those documents numbers are randomly generated. If your system keeps track of the invoices generated then what is the harm in having randomly generated numbers as long as they are unique? Same with check numbers. I know it drives accounts batty when they think things must be sequential but when I ask them to explain why they usually draw a blank.
>
>
>Ken