Jeff,

Thanks for responding with additonal input. We've had a db for about ten
years now and have used the autonumber field as the job number. As stated
in another reply in this message thread, it's not critical that all job
numbers are accounted for. We just need a number for each job and the
autonumber field makes it easier. In the past, whenever I needed to make a
great deal of changes to the db, I would create a new db and then enter the
"in progress" job numbers and related info to the new db and the new numbers
would pick up from there. It was a continuance of four-digit numbers. Our
accounting system, which I have no control over, is limited to six-digits.
Sometimes, just for accounting purposes, we need to add an "A" or "B" to the
end of the job number and with our jobs starting with an R for Repair, we
can't use the "A" or "B" ending any longer. Also, I need to totally rework
the db - include a time tracking portion related to job numbers and new
design.

What I've done is created a new field, as you stated, and used the +1
equation to make it also autonumber. I was concerned with how users would
search both fields, but in the query backing the form I've included the
parameter [enter job number] for both fields. I'll have to temporairly make
one field JobNumber2 on forms and such until "in progress" jobs are
complete.

There won't be two jobs with the same job number as the jobs now are, for
example, 11095 and when I start with the new numbers it will be 1095. By
the time I get back to 11095, they will probably have a new system they want
to use.

I hope this makes sense and with your expertise in Access if you see
anything wrong or that may cause headaches down the road, please let me
know. I appreciate your time and help.

Pam

"Jeff Boyce" wrote in message
...
Pam

Add a new field to your table. This will be your new "job number"

Create an update query that puts the Autonumber value in the new field.

In your form based on the table, add in the "custom autonumber" routine
described earlier.

I still can't tell from your description how you propose to tell apart two
jobs with the same job number, which it sounded like you were trying to
figure out in your original post. Tell me again why you feel you need to
"start over"?

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Access MVP

--
Disclaimer: This author may have received products and services mentioned
in this post. Mention and/or description of a product or service herein
does not constitute endorsement thereof.

Any code or pseudocode included in this post is offered "as is", with no
guarantee as to suitability.

You can thank the FTC of the USA for making this disclaimer
possible/necessary.

"Pam" wrote in message
...
Jeff,

Thank you for the suggestions. Per your suggestion:

"Rather than start another database, and have to look in more than one
place, what about the idea of creating a new field that holds
[JobNumber]. You can start out filling it with the values you already
have in your Autonumber field. Then you can use the custom function to
generate new [JobNumber] values, and let the Access Autonumber field
continue to be the primary key ... it IS the primary key for your
records, right?"

Will you please explain further how I may use this? Are you saying I
could put the job numbers that are still open and in use in an new field
along with the new list of numbers?

Like this:

11095 open job
11096 open job
1000 new job number sequence

If this is possible, how might I go about doing so?

And yes, the Access Autonumber field is the primary key. We've been
using this setup for about 9 years now. It's not critical that we have a
job for each and every number. If a number is deleted, we just go to the
next number available. The jobs aren't tracked as closely as say a list
of purchase orders where they all need to be accounted for.

Thanks for your help.
Pam


"Jeff Boyce" wrote in message
...
Pam

First, if you are referring to the Access Autonumber data type, be aware
that it really isn't fit for human consumption. It's designed to
provide a unique row identifier ... that's it.

If you/your users need a sequential numbering system, you'll need to
"roll your own" (but just search on "custom autonumber" for several idea
on how to).

You/your users may have a more serious issue though ...

If you are identifying your jobs with a job number, and if you "start
over", how will you be able to tell the difference between Job Number
12345 (from 1993), and Job Number 12345 (from 2010)?

Rather than start another database, and have to look in more than one
place, what about the idea of creating a new field that holds
[JobNumber]. You can start out filling it with the values you already
have in your Autonumber field. Then you can use the custom function to
generate new [JobNumber] values, and let the Access Autonumber field
continue to be the primary key ... it IS the primary key for your
records, right?

Good luck!

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Access MVP

--
Disclaimer: This author may have received products and services
mentioned
in this post. Mention and/or description of a product or service herein
does not constitute endorsement thereof.

Any code or pseudocode included in this post is offered "as is", with no
guarantee as to suitability.

You can thank the FTC of the USA for making this disclaimer
possible/necessary.

"Pam" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a table that holds information for jobs. The job number is an
auto number field. It has grown to a 5-digit number and users want to
start over at 1000 due to problems with number spaces in accounting
system. I could start a new database, but the problem is with jobs
that are still working the the current db. That would cause users to
run two db's until the jobs in the first db are completed. I thought
about making the current job number field a regular number and then
entering a new auto-number field for job numbers, but how would they
search for both the 5-digit numbers and the new numbers?

Does anyone have any suggestons as to how I can start a new list of
numbers?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Pam