Certificate Number Generator

Program #:   1654

Module:    Utilities

Overview

Use the Certificate Number Generator (program #1654) to generate certificate numbers that may be assigned to CIDs in the Certificates tab of Data Entry (program #559).

Navigating to the Certificate Number Generator

Use the following steps to navigate to the Certificate Number Generator:

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 "1654" and press Enter.

  w The Certificate Number Generator opens.

The Certificate Number Generator Window

The following graphic shows the Certificate Number Generator.

Field/Column Descriptions

The following table describes the fields and columns used in the Certificate Number Generator.

Creating a Range of Certificate Numbers

Use the following steps to create a range of certificate numbers:

1.  Choose New Record.

  w The fields open for changes.

2.  Enter details of the new certificate number range.

3.  Choose Save.

Using Interval IDs

You can set up ranges of certificate numbers of the same type and dealer to be generated sequentially by interval ID. 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 generates 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 the new interval 0 (300 in this example). It also moves up the other interval ranges: interval 2 becomes 1, 3 becomes 2, and so on. When SBN runs out of certificate numbers, it displays a warning message that SBN cannot issue a certificate number for this certificate type/dealer combination.

Changing a Range of Certificate Numbers

Use the following steps to change a range of certificate numbers:

1.  Select the number range you want to change by double-clicking on it, or choose Get Record.

  w Some fields open for changes.

Note: You cannot edit the Certificate Type, Style, or Dealer for an existing certificate number range.

2.  Enter changes.

3.  Choose Save.

Deleting a Range of Certificate Numbers

Use the following steps to delete a range of certificate numbers:

1.  Select the number range you want to delete.

2.  Double-click your selection or choose Get Record.

3.  Choose Delete Record.

  w A confirm dialog box opens.

4.  Choose Yes.

  w SBN removes the number range from the list.

Viewing Available Certificate Numbers

Use the following steps to view available certificate numbers in a range:

   1.    Select the number range for which you want to display available certificate numbers.

   2.    Choose Display.

w SBN displays the list of available certificate numbers in the lower pane.

Note: When SBN generates and assigns a number in the Certificates tab of Data Entry (program #559), the number no longer appears on this list. If SBN generates a number in the Certificates tab of program #559 and does not assign the number to an account, the number returns to this list. SBN treats the number as though it is at the bottom of the list, calling all the other available numbers in the Certificates tab before calling it again.

   3.    When you finish viewing the list, choose Exit without Saving.

Generating Certificate Numbers

You can generate a batch of certificate numbers so they are ready to be assigned.

Note: When you generate a batch of certificate numbers, IBS does not recommend that you generate large batches (greater than 1000) as this can be time consuming and can defeat the intended purpose of this feature. When you create small batches, the unused numbers are recycled.

Use the following steps to generate certificate numbers:

   1.    Select the certificate number range mask that you want to use for the generated numbers.

   2.    Choose Generate.

w SBN creates the certificate numbers and makes them available for assignment.

Resetting (Stopping) the Generate Process

Occasionally, if you accidentally generate an extremely large batch of numbers or if your computer malfunctions, the generate process may stall. If this occurs, you will see repeated messages informing you that the certificate generator is not available because it is in use. If you see these messages repeatedly over an extended period of time, you can stop the generate process, which unlocks and resets the program.

Warning: Because the reset option stops the generate process, make sure this is necessary before you use it.

Use the following steps to reset the generate process:

   1.    Choose Reset.

w SBN asks if you are sure.

   2.    Choose Yes.

w The certificate number generation process stops.