CID Auto Generation

Program #:   1724

Module:    System Administration

Overview

Use CID Auto Generation (program #1724) to define how SBN generates customer IDs when you add a new record in Data Entry (program #0559). In Data Entry program (program #0559) choose Auto Generate CID to automatically complete the CID field.

Note: For information on Data Entry, see Data Entry Master and Basics in Account Management.

In CID Auto Generation, you can define ranges by branch, panel, or dealer combination. 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.

If option ba332 is on, when users choose Auto Generate CID in Data Entry (program #559), SBN generates the CID based on the parameters defined in this program and embeds the installation number in the CID. With option ba332 on, users can generate multiple CIDs for one installation at the same. All of the generated CIDs contain the embedded installation number. When option ba462 is off, SBN does not include the letter 'A' when generating CIDs in program #1724.

Note: If you define a panel with a specific index line, SBN only automatically generates CIDs for that panel when you use the specified index line of the CID grid to select that panel.

To access this program, select CID Auto Generation (program #1724) from the main menu of SBN.

The CID Auto Generation Window

The following graphic shows CID Auto Generation the program opens. The upper pane displays the list of defined masks. Use the fields in the lower pane to add or edit masks when in Change mode.

Note: When option ba332 is on, the Generate, Display, and Reset buttons do not appear.

Field/Column Descriptions

The following table describes the fields and columns used in CID Auto Generation.

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). It also moves the other interval ranges up. When SBN runs out of numbers, it provides a warning message that it cannot issue a CID number for this branch/dealer/panel combination.

Understanding Branch, Panel, and Dealer Priorities

When users choose Auto Generate CID in Data Entry (program #559), SBN issues the CID based on the following priority:

Generating CIDs 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 Data Entry (program #0559). 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 CIDs:

   1.    In Auto Generate CID (program #1724), double-click the selected mask.

   2.    Choose Generate.

‰    SBN creates the CIDs 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 CID 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: Because the reset option stops the generate process, make sure this is necessary before using it.

Use the following steps to reset the generate process:

   1.    In Auto Generate CID (program #1724), confirm that you want to stop the generate process.

   2.    Choose Reset.

‰    The process stops.

Button Functions

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

Modifications and Updates to CID Auto Generation

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