Overview

Autonumbers are used to generate sequential alphanumeric “numbers” following a pattern. They are used in many places in LearningBuilder:

• Unique Identifier on a Member Role

• Activity Number for an Activity

• As Extrinsic workflow attributes using the Autonumber Attribute data type

Details

Autonumbers are comprised of a “mask”, which sets the pattern, and a “seed”, which controls the sequential ID generation.

The following Intrinsic Attributes use the autonumber functionality:

• Activity ID (aka Activity Number) on an Activity Definition

  • Assigned when a new Activity is created.

  • The entire system uses the same Autonumber definition.

  • Updates to the mask or seed require an IA support ticket.

  • The assigned number can be updated later if configured as an editable input field.

• Unique ID

  • Assigned when a new Role is created (not Granted)

  • Each role has its own Autonumber definition

  • The definition can be updated on each role (after 11.0, the current seed can also be updated)

  • The assigned number can be updated later if configured as an editable input field.

Autonumbers can be added as an Extrinsic Field to any workflow. When used as an Extrinsic Field:

• Assigned when it is an input attribute on a workflow step (even if marked as always read-only) and that step is saved (any action except Cancel).

• Since the field is not assigned until it is saved, we recommend that you make it a hidden field on the first step of a workflow. Once on the second step, it can then be displayed.

• Once the auto number is generated, it cannot be changed, even if it is listed as an input attribute.

Limitations

• The default value settings are ignored by the Autonumber data type.

• The Autonumber is not generated when entity instances are created during an upload.

• Activity ID and Unique ID Autonumbers do NOT respect numbers assigned manually or via upload so if a number is assigned manually or via upload, it may be duplicated when the Automber algorithm assigns a number.

• Autonumbers CANNOT be assigned during nightly automation as it will create inadvertent duplicates. See https://heuristicsolutions.atlassian.net/browse/LB-2611 .

Autonumber Mask

The “mask” for the Autonumber controls the pattern of values that are generated.

• Must include a "#" symbol, which is a placeholder for a sequential number;

• Can force leading zeros by including them prior to the "#" symbol;

• Can include any constant character string, such as "MIP";

The mask supports other placeholders as well:

Autonumber Seed

The “seed” is controls the sequential value part of the Autonumber. It represents the last used value in the sequence.