I am working on Developing a database for a nonprofit I work at - and here is my problem:

I need to generate a unique, random seven digit number for each member. The number will be the primary key (match) of the database. I need the number to be generated for each new record so that it appears as soon as the opens.

Some of my concerns are making sure that no one receives the same number. That this is done within filemaker - I don't want to have to make a list of numbers and then assign it to someone manually.

I am very new to all of this so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rc

There's lots of archived comments on this sort of problem, and you might benefit from using the "search" page here. But here's one thread on unique IDs to look at. It's not about 7-digit IDs, but you can probably learn what you need there, or follow up with more questions. Best of luck!

-ESpringer

How random does it need to be? Would a serialized number work?

ESpringer:

Thanks for the heads - I think my problem with using the search was not being able to use the right terminology - I was searching by random numbers and that wasn't bringing me the results needed. thanks for the thread this seems more of what I was looking for.

rc

John:

I need the number to be random - because the end result is we will be using the number for barcoding to track participation, etc.

I think the thread helps I just need some more basic info on writing calculations, scripts as well.

I think the thread will work once I figure out what to do with it..

any tips for picking up the more elementary stuff?

greatusahero said:

any tips for picking up the more elementary stuff?

Avail yourself of the wisdom and experience of the members of this group. Everyone one of us was a beginner at some point. Ask questions ask questions ask questions!

Use forum and FM help!