Base 7.4.5.1: Custom Auto-incremental ID; formatted ########## (10 digits)

[Berggeit]

I am trying to create a database for my botanical collection and require a custom auto-incremental ID containing 10 digits for the accessions. Initially, based on a discussion with my professor, I was going for COL-YYYYMM#### but this proved to difficult to pull off and that’s why I kept simplifying it until I got to ########## but even the implementation of this eludes me. I am okay with have an ID for the table and an separate ID accessions.

Essentially I want a uniform length for my ID’s which helps with the readability of the labels* on the vials containing the specimen. The YYYYMM also helps with this but is less important. The COL-, which is the identification for my collection can be added using a formula in Calc before I print out the labels.

Could anyone help me out with this?

'* For those curious:
Family
Genus Species
Place - Country
COL-######### Det. #

(Det. = accuracy of the determination)

[RobertG]

The “normal” autoincremented value in a table is INTEGER. 10 digits is maximum here.

You always need 10 digits? You could format it in a query or directly through the GUI.
Query
SELECT RIGHT('000000000'||"ID",10) AS "AutoValue" FROM "Table"
So the field will be presented with 10 digits.