Document Numbering

Every Quote, Job, Invoice and other document in M-Power is issued a sequential document number, optionally with a prefix (e.g. Q1234). The Document Numbering settings let you view the numbering for each document type and choose the next number that will be issued — for example when moving from a previous system and you want M-Power to continue from where your old numbering left off.

These settings are found in Settings > Business > Document Numbering.

Document Types

The table lists each document type with its current prefix, numbering offset and — most usefully — the Next Number that will be issued for it.

How numbering works

New document numbers are generated from an internal counter plus an adjustable offset (next number = counter + offset + 1). You never need to work the offset out yourself — use Set Next # to choose the next number you want issued and the required offset is calculated for you.

Existing documents are never renumbered — changing the numbering only affects documents created from that point on.

Setting the next number

1. Find the document type in the table and check its current Next Number.
2. Enter the number you want issued next in the Set Next Number field.
3. Click Set Next # and review the confirmation, which shows the offset change.
4. Confirm to apply. The change takes effect immediately for all users.

Skipping forward vs. going backwards

• Skipping forward (a next number higher than the current one) is safe — the confirmation will simply note which numbers will be skipped. Skipped numbers are never issued.
• Going backwards (a next number lower than the current one) shows a warning and should only be done if you are certain those numbers have never been used. Re-issuing numbers that already belong to existing documents causes duplicate document numbers, failed saves and documents linking to the wrong records.

Prefixes

Prefixes (e.g. Q for quotes, INV for invoices) are shown in the table for reference but cannot be changed from this screen. Because a prefix change affects document references across quoting, invoicing, accounting exports and the client portal, prefix changes are made by M-Power for you — contact support@mpowersoftware.zendesk.com to request one.

Notes

• A document type shown as Not available cannot have its numbering adjusted from this screen — contact M-Power support if you need it changed.
• The next number shown is live at the time the page loads; if documents are being created while you work, refresh before relying on it.