Order line Number Assignment

Order lines numbers are assigned in the following manner.

1. The order lines will always be grouped by component first.
2. Components are then organized alphabetically.
3. Then order lines are organized alphabetically and given an order line number.

If no linking to component is done it will just sort the lines alphabetically.

Order lines are given their line numbers when:

• When Draft approved onboard.
• When RFQ send
• When Requisition is approved for ordering.

If more items are added after lines have been given number (in one of the stages above) the new order lines will be sorted alphabetically, and given numbers continuing the numbering from the last assigned number.

If the items are linked to a component, the “grouping” will unfortunately override the numbering, so you might end up with the following scenario.

Draft is created, and items are added to the draft. The order line items are linked to components.

• Component A
• 1. Line 1
• 2. Line 2
• 3. Line 3
• Component B
• 4. Line 4
• 5. Line 5
• 6. Line 6

After the initial order line numbers are set, another order line item is added and linked to component A.

• Component A
• 1. Line 1
• 2. Line 2
• 3. Line 3
• 7. Line 7
• Component B
• 4. Line 4
• 5. Line 5
• 6. Line 6

If the system assigned the order line numbers based on the order they are put into the order, we end up with even more orders with numbers as described previously.
(ref example above, where items 1 to 6 where added first then line 7 for component A was added)

Another issue is the growing number of integrations with external ordering systems. They often relay on a combination of order number and line number as the unique identifier.
(This is due to limitation in third party systems, we prefer the use of GUIDS)Now setting the line number as the line is added to the order dose in itself not pose a problem,
but if the order lines are ordered in the way they are added, we are bound to open up for “editing” of line numbers. If users are then allowed to edit the line numbers, this of course may cause integration problems.