Counters

In this topic, we continue to show the features and controls of System Parameters, located on the Setup Menu.

Using the options on the Counters tab, you can control counters used by AIM and DMU when new records are created in the database. The counters keep track of the next number to be used by each type of record when a new record is created in the database.

For example, each quote created by AIM is issued a quote number; the Quote ID counter can be used to change the next quote number to be issued. The AIM system will continue to increment the quote numbers upward by one each time a quote is issued; therefore, if quote number 600045 is entered, the next quote number issued will be 600045 followed by 600046, 600047, and so forth.

Counters should never be decremented, that is, do not set the counter to a numerical value that is less than the value shown on the Counters tab. This will create duplicate entries in the database which will compromise data integrity.

On the Key Fields tab, you can view and edit the most frequently edited key fields in the AIM system. The following counters can be edited on this tab.

• Quote ID – Quote number
• Producer ID – Numerical value assigned to producers
• Company ID – Numerical code assigned to companies
• Invoice ID – Invoice number
• Claim ID – Claim number
• Division ID – Numerical value assigned to divisions
• Team ID – Numerical code assigned to teams
• Reference – Unique identifier for individual records in the CIS database

We will show you how to change the value for the Quote ID. You can use this process to change other counter values.

1. In the Quote ID box, type the number that you want to use or use the arrows to set the value.
2. Click Update to update the database.

All Counters

The All Counters tab contains a list of all counters in the AIM system, as well as their next value, that is, the number next in line to be used, and the maximum length of the counter field.

Data on the All Counters tab is displayed using a grid format. The Key Field column lists all of the names of the key fields and cannot be edited. We have not listed all of the counters. If you require assistance or more information on counters, please contact AIM product support.

The Next Value column displays the next value to be used by the AIM system. Values in this column can be changed by typing the desired numerical value in the box.

Do not set the counter to a numerical value that is less than the value shown on the All Counters tab.

The Length column displays the maximum length, that is the maximum number of characters, that can be used as the value of the counter.

When editing counters with a low maximum length, make certain to use a value short enough to ensure that the value can continue to grow in the future. For example, if the Length is 8, using a value of 99999999 would not leave room for future growth.

See Also