I have a database for tracking inventory which contains fixed assets (computers, printers etc.) and consumables (ink cartridges, office supplies etc). Both types have a part number. The fixed assets have serial numbers and are always a quantity of 1 the consumables don't and can have a quantity of anything.
I NEED TO HAVE A UNIQUE FIELD FOR THE PRIMARY KEY.
I can't use autonumbers. I am using multiple handheld devices for input so I can't just use a counter.
My first impulse was to combine the part number and serial number for the fixed assets and the part number and location for the consumables. This isn't a great solution because of the size of the part number and serial number (it could be up to 40 characters or more).
example:
ID PART # DESC SERIAL # LOCATION QTY
-----------------------------------------------------------
??? 1234 PC 1A2B3C CAB1 1
??? 2345 INK CART. N/A CAB2 12
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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