---
title: Auto-increment fields
slug: auto-increment-fields
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-03-26T17:17:19.202Z
---

# Auto-increment fields

Auto-increment fields automatically generate unique, sequential IDs for jobs in your organization. Each time a new job is created or synced into Primary, the system assigns the next available ID. You can pair auto-incrementing numbers with a prefix based on a **Text** field or **Group Code** to create structured identifiers like **ENG-0001**, **MKT-0001**, and **MKT-0002**.

| **INFO**<br />Auto-increment IDs are only assigned to jobs in Primary. Jobs in Scenarios will not receive an auto-increment ID. |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |



## Auto-increment field properties

When you create an auto-increment field, you configure the following properties:

| **Property**       | **Description**                                                                                                                                                          |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Field label**    | The name identifying the field in the app (e.g., Employee ID).                                                                                                           |
| **Prefix source**  | An optional Text or Group Code field used to generate a prefix for each ID. When set, IDs include the prefix value followed by the incrementing number (e.g., ENG-0001). |
| **Number padding** | The minimum number of digits displayed. Shorter numbers are padded with leading zeros (e.g., 0001 for 4-digit padding).                                                  |
| **Separator**      | The character between the prefix and the number (e.g., a hyphen in ENG-0001).                                                                                            |



## Create an auto-increment field

To create a new auto-increment field:

1. From the left sidebar, select **Data Model**.
2. From the sub-menu, select **Fields**.
3. Select **Create Field**.
4. Enter a **Field label** and optional **Description**.
5. Under **Data type**, select **Auto-increment**.
6. (Optional) Select a **Prefix source** field. Choose a **Text** or **Group Code** field to generate prefixed IDs (e.g., selecting Department produces IDs like ENG-0001).
7. Configure the **Number padding** and **Separator** as needed.
8. Select **Save**.



A confirmation modal appears to let you know the system will automatically populate IDs for all existing jobs in Primary. Select **Confirm** to proceed.

| **NOTE**<br />After saving, the system assigns an auto-increment ID to every existing job in Primary. This process runs in the background and may take a few moments depending on your organization’s size. |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

## How auto-increment IDs work

### Automatic assignment

Whenever a new job is created or synced into Primary, the system automatically assigns the next available auto-increment ID. No manual entry is required.

### Prefix behavior

If you configure a prefix source, the ID combines the value of that field with the incrementing number. For example, if the prefix source is set to **Department** and a job belongs to the Engineering department, the generated ID is **ENG-0001**. Each prefix maintains its own independent sequence:

- ENG-0001, ENG-0002, ENG-0003 (Engineering)
- MKT-0001, MKT-0002 (Marketing)
- FIN-0001 (Finance)

### Manual editing

You can manually edit an auto-increment ID directly in the Data Sheet. This is useful if you need to correct or override a specific value.



| **WARNING**<br />The system validates that all auto-increment IDs are unique. If you enter a value that already exists, the system rejects the change and prompts you to use a different value. |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |



### Scenarios

Jobs in Scenarios are not assigned auto-increment IDs. IDs are only generated when a job exists in or is synced into Primary.

## Best practices

- **Choose a meaningful prefix source.&#x20;**&#x46;ields like Department or Location Group Code make IDs immediately recognizable across the organization.
- **Set sufficient number padding.&#x20;**&#x49;f you expect more than 999 jobs per prefix, use at least 4-digit padding to keep IDs consistent in length.
- **Avoid editing IDs unless necessary.&#x20;**&#x54;he system manages uniqueness automatically. Manual changes increase the risk of conflicts.
- **Plan your configuration before saving.&#x20;**&#x4F;nce the field is saved, existing jobs in Primary are populated immediately.&#x20;

## Frequently asked questions

### What happens if I delete an auto-increment field?

Deleting the field removes all stored auto-increment IDs from your organization. This action cannot be undone.

### Can I use the same auto-increment field across multiple data models?

Auto-increment fields apply to jobs. They’re available wherever job data is displayed, including the Data Sheet and org chart.

### What happens when a job is moved between departments?

The existing auto-increment ID stays with the job. It does not change when the prefix source value changes. New IDs reflect the current prefix at the time of assignment.