Set Next Serial Value

Resets the next serial value in an auto-entry serial number field.

See also 

Options 

  • Specify target field specifies the serial number field on which the script step will operate. The field you specify must be defined as an auto-entry serial number field.
  • Calculated result allows you to enter the next serial value or create a calculation to determine the next serial value.

Compatibility 

Product Supported
FileMaker Pro Yes
FileMaker Go Yes
FileMaker WebDirect Yes
FileMaker Server Yes
FileMaker Cloud Yes
FileMaker Data API Yes
Custom Web Publishing Yes

Originated in version 

6.0 or earlier

Description 

You can define this script step to use any calculation expression to determine the next serial value of a field that has been defined as an auto-entry serial number field. The calculation always evaluates to a text result.

For example, you might want to reset the next serial value after you do one of the following:

  • import records into a FileMaker Pro database with an auto-entry serial number field
  • delete multiple serialized numbers from a FileMaker Pro database

Notes 

  • This script step affects the definition of the field you specify instead of the actual contents of the field that you specify.
  • This script step can operate on multiple files. If you specify a field in another file, then FileMaker Pro attempts to update the serial number for the specified field in the other file. To specify a field in another file, define a relationship to that file and use Specify target field to select a field from that file.

Example 1 

Calculates the number of the next available invoice ID, using the Max function to return the highest value in the Invoice ID field. If an invoice ID contains non-numeric data, then the calculation would need to be more sophisticated to maintain the numeric and non-numeric data.

Copy 
Go to Record/Request/Page [Last]
Set Next Serial Value [Invoices::Invoice ID; Max ( Invoices::Invoice ID ) + 1]

Example 2 

Sets the next serial number value in the Product ID field options after importing records. Useful if Perform auto-enter options during import is not selected in order to preserve dates and other auto-entered values.

Copy 
Import Records [ With dialog: Off ; Table: Products ; Source: New Product Catalog.xlsx ; Worksheet: "Stock" ; Add ; Mac Roman ]
Set Next Serial Value [ Products::Product ID ; Get ( TotalRecordCount ) + 1 ]

Example 3 

Prompts the user to input the next serial value.

Copy 
Show Custom Dialog ["Set the next serial number value"; Invoices::Next Serial Value]
If [Get ( LastMessageChoice ) = 1]
    Set Next Serial Value [Invoices::Invoice ID; Invoices::Next Serial Value]
End If

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