Highlights of Custom Identifier Column

Highlights of Custom Identifier Column

BambooCustomIdentifier.pngWhy settle for using meaningless numbers or text to reference items?

More and more companies are looking to SharePoint as a platform to host their business applications. One of the big challenges application designers face is the rigidity that SharePoint imposes on item identifiers. A simple numeric counter might ensure uniqueness, but it misses an opportunity to communicate information about an issue, invoice, call ticket, order, etc. It also cannot guarantee values are unique outside of the current list.

Custom Identifier Column addresses this need by providing users with a method to customize the format of auto-generated values. Construct your own custom identifier by combining a numeric counter with text, date/time, site name, list name and column values. You also have the option to let users enter their own unique text in the form of a social security number, employee number, etc. These values, whether they are automatically or manually entered, are then checked for uniqueness within the current list, current site, or across the entire site collection.

Custom Identifier formats using the Bamboo Custom Identifier Column

Custom Identifier formats using the Bamboo Custom Identifier Column

Overview of Custom Identifier Column configuration settings

The format of the Custom Identifier is determined in the columns configuration screen

CustomID-ex1b.png
The above image has been edited to show available options from the drop down selectors

CustomID_ex2b.png
1. Include Auto-Incremented Number is a numerical value that increments for each new item. Select the desired number of digits between 1-5 from the drop down.


2. Include Text String allows you to insert static text into the identifier. This field can be used to add a prefix to the Auto-Incremented Number


3. The date and time of the items creation can become part of the identifier when you select Include Current Date and Time and select the date format from the drop down selector.


4. To include value from another column in the same item, check the Include Column From Current Item box and select the desired column from the drop down selector.

Icon-WarningImportant:
When including column values in the format of the identifier, only these column types are supported:

  • Single text
  • Currency
  • Number
  • Date time
  • Choice (drop-down and radio)
  • Multi text (multi line, but not rich text),
  • Lookup (not Multi-value Lookup)

5 Both the List Name and the Site Name can be included in the automatically generated ID.


6. As identifier components are checked, they will be added to the Order of Selected Variables list box. Use the arrows to change the item order.


7. Identify the delimitation between identifier variables. By default None is selected.


8. Define the Identifier Case to ensure standardization in the presentation of identifier elements:

  • Capital – the first letter will be capitalized while all other characters will be lower case

  • Upper – all characters are capitalized

  • Lower – all characters are lower case

Complementary Products for Custom Identifier

Complementary Products for Custom Identifier

sharepointsolutions.pngYou will find many of our products complement each other quite nicely saving you the time and trouble to write custom code. With Bamboo at the heart of your SharePoint investment, you gain access to a huge catalog of enhancements, components, and accessories that add the critical functionality your business requires.

The same components can be easily used in future applications and they all come from a single, trusted vendor, ensuring an easy purchase process and support you can count on. That’s the Bamboo Way!