Number sequences determine how unique numbers are automatically assigned to different entities within Zero Friction, such as customers, contracts, invoices, and payment plans.
Number series are used to generate consistent, recognizable, and unique references for administrative and financial processes. Correct configuration prevents duplicate numbers and ensures a clear structure in your administration.
Overview – What can you find in Number Series?
The Number Ranges page shows a summary table with all available number ranges per entity. For each row, you'll see:
Entity
The type of record to which the number series applies (e.g. Customer, Invoice, Contract, Mandate, Collection File).Next value
The next numerical sequence number that will be used.Format string
The formatting rule that determines how segments and the sequence number are combined.Preview
An example of the number that will be generated with the current settings.
The available number ranges depend on the activated modules and the initial tenant configuration.
Layout
The main page displays all number series in a table. Each row is clickable and opens a side panel with detailed settings.
Detail panel per number series
In the side panel you can:
Adjust the next value
Changing the format string
Add, remove, or modify segments
Generate a preview of the next issue
Actions
Available actions are:
Viewing number ranges
Editing a number series
Change the following value
Adjusting the format string
Managing segments
Generate preview to check the result before saving
Validations:
The format string must contain exactly one more placeholder than the number of segments.
The last placeholder is always reserved for the numerical sequence number.
Invalid combinations will show a validation error and cannot be saved.
Number generation
When creating a new record:
The system selects the appropriate number series based on the entity.
Segment values are determined (e.g. current year or invoice type).
The next available value is chosen:
A gap, if available
Otherwise the set next value
All components are combined via the format string.
The next value is automatically incremented by 1 (unless a gap is used).
Changes
Changes to format or segments only affect new records.
Already generated numbers are never modified.
Problem | Solution |
Next value set lower than existing numbers | Check historical usage and increase the value to avoid duplicates |
Preview could not be generated | Check if the number of placeholders matches the number of segments |
Number sequence does not appear to be used | Check if the correct entity is linked |
Number is not incremented | Check if gaps are configured |
Validation error while saving | Check the format string and segment order |
Invoice Type segment not available | This segment is only available for invoice number ranges |
Unexpected number formatting | Check the order of segments and their placeholders |
Why isn't my number being increased?
A gap is likely used instead of the next value.
Can I reuse a skipped song?
Yes, by configuring this number as a gap.
What happens if I decrease the following value?
This can lead to duplicate numbers. The system doesn't automatically block this.
Can I use different layouts per year?
Yes, by adding a Year segment to the number range.
Why don't I see an Invoice Type segment?
This segment is only available for invoice entities.
Can I see what a song looks like first?
Yes, use the preview function before saving.
Are existing numbers adjusted when changes are made?
No, changes only apply to newly created records.
Entity: A type of record within Zero Friction, such as Customer or Invoice
Number Sequence: Configuration that determines how unique numbers are generated
Next Value: The next numerical sequence number
Format string: Template that determines how segments and numbers are combined
Segment: Part of a number sequence, such as Year or Constant Text
Constant segment: Fixed text segment that is always added
Year Segment: Automatically displays the current year in YYYY format
Invoice Type segment: Segment that depends on the invoice type
Gap: Predefined number that can be reused
Preview: Example of the next number to be generated