Unique numbering of objects, isn’t every number unique? In Centix this works slightly differently. In this article we explain why and how this is best applicable for your organisation.
How were objects numbered in the past?
Different industries have used their own numbering methods for decades. Some tried to add “intelligence” to the number by already integrating information about the object into the object number. In the construction sector certain positions of numbers indicated which type of equipment (object type) it concerned. Inspection companies started renumbering every customer from 1. The same object numbers were thus found several times for different customers. Others kept the (sometimes very long) unique serial number of the manufacturer as a unique item number. Numbers were often engraved and remained “eternally” in the object.
How are objects numbered today?
Nowadays, engraving objects has largely been replaced by QR code stickers. By scanning the QR code with a mobile phone, the inspection certificate or user manual can easily be retrieved. It is much more efficient than typing a number, where typing errors can cause the wrong object to be selected. It may still be possible to engrave in metal objects, but this is excluded with plastic safety equipment such as crash helmets.
Numbering objects in Centix
When you search for an object in Centix and enter part of that number, you want to find the right object as quickly as possible. That sounds simple, but Centix “searches” differently than you for that number. For example, if you search for number 123, Centix will also find that number in 1123 and 1231 etc. That is why Centix recommends using enough characters for the object numbers.
With 6 characters you would theoretically have 1 million object numbers at your disposal. But we do not recommend all numbers starting with a zero, this number can be lost when exporting to Excel. In addition, we do not recommend series with many of the same numbers, this is simply more difficult to read (166660 to 166669). If you expect a maximum of 500,000 objects then choose 6 characters and not 8 characters.
A sticker is damaged or lost, what now?
Occasionally a QR code sticker is damaged or becomes unreadable because of paint or cement. Then it is necessary to apply a new sticker. Printing a single sticker as a replacement is not efficient. At most companies, the stickers are printed in batches and someone always has a new sticker on hand.
It is most efficient to put a new sticker on the object at that moment and renumber the object so that the entire history is preserved. If you copy the old object number to the barcode field, you can also continue to find the object under the old (engraved) number.
Our advice
Determine how many objects you expect in the coming years and choose the corresponding number of characters for your object numbers. Do not use letters, that is inefficient typing on a keyboard. If you renumber objects, copy the current object number to the barcode field.
Do not use numbers starting with a zero, special characters, or spaces in the ID. If you still wish to use a special character, use a hyphen (–) or an underscore (_).
Do not process “intelligence” in the object number such as locations, object type, or customer details, it is just a number! Other fields are available for additional information.
Do's
- Only use numbers
- Use a long and legible number
- Copy the old object number to the barcode field when renumbering
- Best practice number: start at 125001
Don'ts
- Never start with a 0
- Don't incorporate "intelligence" into item numbers
- Do not use numbering per customer or relation
- Do not use spaces or special characters in the ID.