I would like to create customer numbers that are simple, unique, and only 3-5 digits long. I would really like to be able to start at a number and simply increase by one. This would need to work on a networked solution. I'm new at Filemaker, but it seems the following should work.

I'm wondering if there are any problems created by making a seperate file with only one record containing text or number fields. The text or number fields (not global fields but treated as such) would then be referenced on a networked solution to obtain unique, sequential numbers for invoices or customer numbers.

Is this a bad idea? Thanks for any help.

Not a bad idea, and in fact this method of handling "globals" in a networked solution is recommended by many developers.

But i'm not sure you can't just use the auto-enter serial number option. In Define Fields, check your field options, Auto-Enter tab. You'll see an option for serial numbers there that you can customize.

Jerry