Number series setup in Business Central
Every customer, vendor, item and document in Business Central gets a number from a number series. Getting the setup right avoids gaps, duplicates and audit problems.
Number series and lines
A No. Series record has a code (for example S-INV) and options. Each series has one or more No. Series Lines:
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Starting Date | The line is used from this date |
| Starting No. | First number, such as SI-26-0001 |
| Ending No. | Last number allowed |
| Warning No. | Users get a warning when this number is reached |
| Increment-by No. | Step between numbers (usually 1) |
| Last No. Used | Updated automatically |
To start a new range from a date (for example a new year), add a new line with a later Starting Date.
Series options
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Default Nos. | The next number is assigned automatically |
| Manual Nos. | Users can type their own number |
| Date Order | Numbers must follow the order of dates |
Relationships
On the No. Series Relationships page you can link several series to one code, so users can pick between them (for example one invoice series per region).
Where series are assigned
Series are chosen on setup pages: Sales & Receivables Setup (customers, quotes, orders, invoices), Purchases & Payables Setup and Inventory Setup (items).
Learn more: Create number series.
Practice questions
Pick an answer to check it. Questions are original and written for practice.
1. Users must be able to type their own customer numbers instead of getting the next number automatically. What do you enable on the number series?
Show answer
Answer: B.Manual Nos. lets users enter a number by hand.
2. From 1 January, invoices must use a new range of numbers. What do you do?
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Answer: B.A number series can have several lines. Each line has a Starting Date, so a new line takes over automatically from that date.
3. Documents must be numbered in the same order as their posting dates. Which option do you enable?
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Answer: A.Date Order makes sure numbers follow chronological order by date.