You can define new item numbers and descriptions so that they are automatically generated when users create new items. Setting up autonumber generation ensures that new items created in item catalog categories have a consistent numbering scheme. You can set up item number and description generation so that numbers/descriptions are either:

• Sequence generated

  If the item request numbering method is sequence generated, then all item number requests automatically generate based on the sequence generation rules specified here. You can specify a prefix, starting number, increment, and suffix.

  Note: Sequence generation does not apply to Item Description generation--it is for item number generation only.

• Function generated

  If the item request numbering/description method is function generated, then all number/descriptions for new items in the item catalog category automatically generate based on a custom function. When specifying that an item number/description is function generated, select the function that you want to use, and then map the function parameters to the user-defined attributes that you want included in the item number/description. When creating a new item, users receive prompts to enter the user-defined attributes used in generating the item number/description.

  Note: You must have already defined a custom function before using this item number/description generation method. For details, see Creating User-Defined Functions.

• Inherited from parent

  If the item request numbering/description generation method is inherited from a parent, then the item number/descriptions for the items generate using the same method as the parent item catalog category.

  Note: All item catalog category subcategories have, by default, a number/description scheme that is inherited from their parent.

• User entered

  If the item request numbering/description method is user entered, then the user is required to manually enter a number or a description for new items.

To set up automatic change number generation using user-defined functions, follow these steps:

1. Update the header type.

2. Select Function Generated from the Number Creation drop-down list.

3. Associate the function.

4. Associate the function parameters to the attributes.

   To define automatic item number/description generation:

1. On the Basic Information page of an item catalog category, click either the Number Generation or Description Generation link. On the Auto Generation page for the generation method you selected, click Update.

2. On either the Item Description Generation or Item Number Generation page, select the generation method you wish to use and fill in the required fields.