Number Field to Alphanumeric Field

[Tomfernandez1]

Hi,

I have a form with an "EmpID" number field that accepts unique values only. The EmpID field setting in the source table is set to Long Integer and no duplicates. I was asked to change allow users to enter "T" before the EmpID number, for example T2004, but I would have to change this field to a Text field. Is there a way around this? I have set up table relationships behind the form so making a change to a Text field doesn't seem ideal.
Any advice is much appreciated!

Thank you.



Tommy

[pbaldy]

The only way around it I can think of is adding a field for the prefix and let the user add it separately. You can concatenate them together on reports and such.

[Tomfernandez1]

The only way around it I can think of is adding a field for the prefix and let the user add it separately. You can concatenate them together on reports and such.

Thank you for the response.. I also have a search form that uses the EmpID field as a search criterion so how might the concatenated EmpID affect this?

Tommy

[pbaldy]

If the numeric part will continue to be unique, you can just let the user enter that part and let your search work as it currently does. Another solution would be creating a calculated field in the table that concatenates them, and use that for the search.

Or, bite the bullet and change the field to text in this and related tables. This seems like one of those situations where there might be 10 different solutions, and you're probably best positioned to choose the appropriate one based on your knowledge of the "big picture", the users, etc.

[Tomfernandez1]

Thank you pbaldy!

Tommy

[pbaldy]

No problem. Post back if you need more thoughts; one of us can probably come up with several solutions you can pick from.