Account Number Auto Generation

Program #:   1597

Module:    System Administration

Overview

Use Account Number (ACC) Auto Generation to define how SBN creates account numbers when you add a new contract in Contract Master (program #548). After you define ACC Auto Generation, you can use the Auto Generate ACC button in Contract Master (program #548) to automatically complete the Account Number field.

In Account Number Auto Generation, you may define ranges by branch. The mask allows you to define number ranges with specific prefixes and/or suffixes. If you do not want to attach a suffix or prefix, you can use the underscore for each position in the number.

You may also define ranges by dealer ID. However, IBS recommends that you either assign dealer ranges for all rows in this program or not assign dealer ID ranges at all. Do not assign dealer ID ranges for only some of the entries in this program. Be sure not to:

• Overlap dealer ID ranges for the same branch

• Exclude the same range that you include in another row

• Overlap an exclude range and an include range for the same branch

Navigating to Account Number Auto Generation

Use the following steps to navigate to Account Number Auto Generation:

1.  From the main SBN toolbar, select Menu.

2.  From the drop-down menu, select Go To.

3.  In the Go To Program dialog box, type in "1597" and press Enter.

  w The Account Number Auto Generation program opens.

The ACC Auto Generation Window

The following graphic shows ACC Auto Generation. The grid displays a list of previously defined masks.

Field/Column Descriptions

The following table describes the fields and columns used in this program.

Using Common Functions

See the reference document Common Functions in SBN for more information.

Using Interval IDs

You can set up blocks of numbers by grouping them by interval number. For example, you might set up a range of numbers from 100-200 as interval 0, a range of numbers from 300-500 as interval 1, and a range of numbers from 600-800 as interval 2. When SBN has generated the last number in interval 0 (200 in this example), it deletes this interval, renames interval 1 to interval 0 and begins using numbers from this range (300 in this example). SBN also moves the other interval ranges up. When SBN runs out of numbers, it displays a warning message that it cannot issue an ACC number.

Generating ACCs to Test a New Mask

Use Generate to create a set of numbers for the selected mask, which then makes them available for use in Contract Master (program #0548). Please keep in mind that pre-generating a large group of numbers prevents the reuse of numbers until all of the pre-generated numbers have been issued.

Note: For maximum use of your receiver line cards, you should only use this function to test a new mask.

Use the following steps to pre-generate ACCs:

1.  Double-click the mask you want to use.

2.  Choose Generate.

  w SBN creates the ACCs and makes them available for assignment.

Resetting (Stopping) the Generate Process

Occasionally, if you accidentally generate an extremely large batch of numbers, or if the computer malfunctions, the generate process may stop. If this occurs, SBN displays repeated messages informing you that the ACC generator is not available because it is in use. If you see these messages over an extended period of time, you may stop the generate process to unlock and reset the program.

Warning: The Reset function stops the generation process; only use this function if absolutely necessary.

Use the following steps to reset the generate process:

1.  Confirm that you want to stop the generation process.

2.  Choose Reset.

  w The generation process stops.

Button Functions

The following table displays the buttons, describes the shortcut keys, actions, and functionality.

Modifications and Updates to Account Number Auto Generation

The following table lists modifications and updates to the Account Number Auto Generation document.