work order number generator

[32 degree]

I have made a work order template in excel and would like the work order cell to increase in value each time i create a new work order. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BigC]

Hi 32, and welcome to the Forum

1. Could you please explain a little more as to the process you expect to follow to generate a new work order.
2. Is this template a proper Excel template file (i.e. *.xlt or *.xltx format) or just a normal spreadsheet file (*.xls or *.xlsx format) you open and then Save As, or copy?
3. What format is the work order number?
4. Is there any other workbook involved (e.g. master register of work orders from which you initiate the creation of the new WO file)?

 

[32 degree]

Hi 32, and welcome to the Forum

1. Could you please explain a little more as to the process you expect to follow to generate a new work order.
2. Is this template a proper Excel template file (i.e. *.xlt or *.xltx format) or just a normal spreadsheet file (*.xls or *.xlsx format) you open and then Save As, or copy?
3. What format is the work order number?
4. Is there any other workbook involved (e.g. master register of work orders from which you initiate the creation of the new WO file)?

Big C
This file is an normal spreadsheet created in excel. We are opening an existing file then saving as. I am creating a template to create new wo's to make sure that we dont mess up or loose an existing wo. I'd like to click on to the template and to have the next wo number ready each time i click the template. Also would like the date the wo was created (current date).There is no other workbooks involved in this project. Trying to keep it straight forward. Thanks.

 

[BigC]

Ok, that makes it relatively simple - but with all things simple, they are readily susceptible to corruption, so be aware of the limitations.

Given that you're opening a "blank" xls or xlsx file (the template) and then just saving a copy of it to create the new WO file, one simple way to achieve this is to:

1. have the WO cell, and a date created cell, in the template hold the values for the last WO created
2. include a macro that when executed (via menu rather than button so the button does NOT get saved in the new WO file):
   1. increments the WO number by 1
   2. updates the date created to the current date
   3. saves the template (thereby updating it with the WO No. and date of the last WO created)
   4. save a copy of the template with the filename syntax required (WO No. + date??)

Will this be adequate for what you want?

If so, please advise:

1. Defined Name of the WO No. cell (if not in place I very strongly recommend that you do this as it makes referring to the cell in the macro easier and more reliable)
2. Defined Name of the Dated Created cell (if not in place I very strongly recommend that you do this as it makes referring to the cell in the macro easier and more reliable)
3. File name syntax for each new WO file.

If not, please advise alternative or variations.