Principles
The No.Series table is used to set up all the number sequences that will be used in the company. Number sequences can be assigned to some tables, such as the Customer, Vendor, and Item tables, to sales and purchase documents (such as quotes, shipments, and posted invoices), and to templates, batches, and journal lines.
You create a numbering system by setting up one or more codes for each type of master data or document. For example, you can set up one code for numbering customers, a different code for numbering sales invoices, and a different code for numbering documents in general journals. After you set up the code, you must set up at least one line of the number sequence. A number sequence row contains information such as the first and last numbers in the series and the start date. More than one number sequence row can be set up for a single number sequence code, with a different start date for each row. The series will be used consecutively, starting each series on the appropriate start date.
Numbering is important not only for identification. A well-designed numbering system also allows for better management and easy analysis of the company, and can reduce the number of errors that occur during data entry.
Occasionally, you may need to assign more than one number sequence to a single field for a number sequence. For example, if you have created more than one number sequence for invoices, then you can use a table Number Series Relation (No. Series Relationships) to associate all relevant series with a single number sequence code. You can then enter the code into the invoice number. If you assign a new invoice number at a later time, you will be able to choose between all the rows associated with the code.
Dependencies and assumptions
Assigning a number from a number series according to the period depends on the set Work Date of the user creating the document. At the turn of the year, when documents are posted to both the current and future (past) periods, it is therefore necessary to set the working date of the period for which you want to make the document.
MS regularly updates the documentation for this setting area. Documentation valid for BC22 is available at the following link:
Create Number Series - Business Central | Microsoft Learn
An overview of number series can be found via the magnifying glass or via the list of setting tables in Manual Settings.
No. Series
We recommend that individual number series belonging to the same area be included in sections, which can achieve better clarity. Procedure:
Create a line with a Code, which will then be used as the initial letter in the codes of each number series. On that line in the Description, enter the name of the area. Do not create a number series for this line, it is used only for optical division of the area. Example as shown in the picture:
Code = F_C
Description = ***FINANCE-BANKS&TREASURIES***
Individual number series can then be created with a code at the beginning of the given area.
Code = F_C_B
Description = Bank – card numbers, etc.
The following fields are being set:
Code and Description
according to your own requirements
Default Nos.
Yes determines whether this serial number is used to assign numbers automatically.
Manual Nos.
Yes specifies that you can enter numbers manually instead of using the number sequence.
If there is only one number sequence for a document or card type where the Default Nos. check box is selected and the Manual Nos. check box is not selected, the field is automatically filled with the next number in the series and the No. field is not visible on the document or card. If there is more than one number sequence for a document or card type, and the Default Nos. check box is not selected for the number sequence that is currently assigned, then the No. field is visible, and you can visit the No. Series List page and select the number you want to use. The next number in the series is entered in the No. field. If you have not set up number sequences for a document or card type, or if Manual Nos. is selected for number sequences, then the No. field is visible and you must enter any number manually. You can enter a maximum of 20 characters, both numbers and letters.
Date Order
The Yes option determines whether the system will monitor the time order of document entry with the setting of such a number series. It is mainly used for cash receipts.
Starting No. and Ending No.
is set in a separate table, which can be opened via the Lines button in the table bar or by clicking in the field.
The following fields are being set:
Starting Date
if you require to have a different number series for each period, e.g. by year
Starting No. and Ending No.
is entered according to your own requirement for the appearance or logic of the number
Last Date Used and Last No. Used
fills the system automatically
Warning No.
You can set a number at which the system will warn you that the number series is coming to an end and you must make adjustments to the number series settings
Increment-by No.
is pre-filled with a value of 1, which determines the size of the interval you want to have between each number in the number series
Allow Gaps in Nose
Specifies that a number assigned from a number sequence can be deleted later. This is useful for records, such as item cards and inventory documents, which, unlike financial transactions, can be deleted and cause gaps in the number sequence. This setting also means that new numbers will be generated and assigned in a faster and non-blocked manner. Note: If an error occurs with a new record that is assigned a number from such a number sequence after it is completed, the number will be lost, causing a gap in the sequence. This permission is not recommended for OCs.
Number Series Relation
This table is used when you want to use more than one number series for the same table, document type, or journal.
The table is available from No. Series -> Related -> Series -> Relationships.
Example: For a number series that is set as default in the setup table (e.g. Fixed Asset Setup), use the New button to select the No. Series Code that you want to have as a selection option when creating a FA card.
Result: when creating a new FA card, you can select a number series from the interrelated number series