---
schema_version: "1"
id: 04ecd67906b88942b288532e8aa9ec59a475c341455011a724b3b80270c7cc99
title: How a System Number is Built
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/ind/264-0-0/cg_concept_admin_how_system_number_is_buil.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.cg_concept_admin_how_system_number_is_buil.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 837bc1aa9f2ed647221fd4b5301bae13e81489ac6dcaf4647620b93fccd6e7ba
description: The app lays the segments out from left to right and fills each one according to its type. A definition contains only the segments you add to it, in the order you choose. A definition can be as simple as a single counter, a prefix and a counter, or it can also include the device identifier and more.
products:
  - Consumer Goods
release: "264"
---
# How a System Number is Built

The app lays the segments out from left to right and fills each one according to its type. A definition contains only the segments you add to it, in the order you choose. A definition can be as simple as a single counter, a prefix and a counter, or it can also include the device identifier and more.

### Required Editions

<table class="slds-table slds-table_bordered slds-max-medium-table_stacked slds-m-bottom_small edition"><colgroup><col></colgroup><tbody><tr class=""><td class="slds-cell-wrap" style="vertical-align:top;">Available in: Lightning Experience in <strong>Professional</strong>, <strong>Enterprise</strong>, and <strong>Unlimited</strong> Editions that have Consumer Goods Cloud enabled.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Consider the number OEw1010000148, created on a device whose device identifier, called the LU, is 101w. A definition with these three segments produces it.

    
| Sort order | Segment type | Pre-delimiter | Length | Produces |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Init counter | OE | 3 | OEw |
| 2 | Device (LU) | None | 3 | 101 |
| 3 | Counter | None | 7 | 0000148 |

Laid out in order, the segments form OEw + 101 + 0000148, which is OEw1010000148. Notice two things:

- The fixed prefix OE isn't a segment of its own. It's the pre-delimiter of the first segment. The rest of that segment, w, is the init-counter value, and the app fits the whole segment to its configured length of 3.
- The device identifier 101w spreads across the first two segments. Its 4th character, w, feeds the Init counter segment, and its first 3 characters, 101, feed the Device (LU) segment.

The one part that changes from one number to the next is the counter. Each time the device assigns a new system number, the counter advances by one, and the prefix and device identifier stay the same.

To generate unique offline numbers and keep device counters synchronized with Salesforce, configure system number definitions, define their segments, set up tracked objects, and set up regular sync habits for field users.

- **[Create a System Number](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.cg_task_admin_create_system_numbers.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Number definitions automatically generate unique identifiers for business objects, such as new order entries or promotions.
- **[Add System Number Segments](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.cg_task_admin_system_number_seg.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Define individual segments, such as prefixes, counters, and device identifiers, to construct the system number format.
- **[Configure System Numbering Behavior and Timing](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.cg_task_admin_configure_system_numbering_behavior_and_timing.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Configure when and how the app assigns system numbers to records, such as orders or invoices.
- **[Keep System Numbers in Sync](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.cg_concept_admin_keep_system_numbers_in_sync.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Set up tracked objects and follow sync habits that keep device counters current and prevent duplicate record numbers during fresh installs or device restores.