Unique Identifier

[LaRetta]

Hello there,

I am used to dealing with data which has a UniqueID key. I have inherited an Act database without one. How can I loop through all records and assign a serial number?

I DO have a field called ID but it is empty. I do not want to use name/phone etc to create the ID. Can Act be scripted to assign this serial and can it be modified to keep adding the serial as new records are created?

Any assistance would be most appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Storyteller]

Hello LaRetta,
ACT! infact does create a uniqueID for each Contact. It is just that it is a system field. A typical uniqueID field data is "(*j^%. $?#@" not very useful for tracking Contacts. The uniqueID field is used to link the various tables in the ACT! database structure and is not intended to be used.

A better approach is to use the "Status/ID" field to identify the relationship with the Contact. That is are they a "Prospect", "Current Buyer", etc. You can also then use "Groups" to further categorize the relationship. For example you can create a group called "Project XYZ" and add to that group all the Contacts that are involved in that project. Create a group called "Email Only" and add to that group all the Contacts that only want to be contacted via email.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Michael