if it helps.
We do not leave backorders in system, we've set sop up to allow us to transfer backorders to orders instead of direct invoice.
if we then backorder again, we then again transfer it back to another order status
what exactly do you need to account for? Open order reports abound in smartlist/gp itself and crystal reports can be easily created.
If you need traceability by master #, why don't you try reporting on PO# field instead? It might give you better visibility if you group by that and count up line items shipped vs outstanding.
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and they wonder why they call it Great Pains!
jaz