The problem with manual job codes
By default, the job code field on the Create Job screen is blank. Each time you start a new estimate you have to remember what number you are up to, type it in, and hope nobody else has already used it. If you guess wrong, you only discover the clash when you check the Amend Job screen — and by then you may have already started working under the wrong code.
Setting up automatic job codes
- 1
Go to Tools > System Preferences.
- 2
Click the Miscellaneous tab.
- 3
In the estimate number box along the top, type the starting number you want the system to use (e.g.
E1001). You can use any alphanumeric prefix followed by a number — the system will increment the numeric portion each time. - 4
Click Exit to save.
From this point on, every time you open the Create Job screen, the job code is pre-filled with the next number in the sequence. Once you confirm the job, the counter rolls on automatically — there is nothing further for you to do.
The automatic job code also works when you use Copy Job from the Amend Job screen. The copied project is assigned the next number in your sequence, so you still never need to look up or type a code manually.
Category-based numbering
If you need separate numbering sequences for different types of work, you can enable category-based job codes. This adds a dropdown to the Create Job screen where you select the project category before creating the job. Each category maintains its own independent numbering sequence that increments separately.
For example, you might have:
- Domestic jobs starting at
D001 - Commercial jobs starting at
C001 - Maintenance jobs starting at
M001
When you select a category, the system fills in the next available code for that category only.
Speak to Ensign support if you would like to set up category-based numbering — they can configure the categories and starting numbers for you.
Benefits
- No duplicate codes — you cannot accidentally reuse a job code that has already been taken.
- No manual lookups — there is no need to check the Amend Job screen to see what number you are on.
- One fewer decision — when starting a new estimate, the code is handled for you so you can focus on the project details.
- Consistent across users — automatic job codes are a system-wide setting, so every user on your licence benefits from the same sequence. Once one person sets it up, everyone has it.