How to Create a Daily Sequential BOL Number in a PDF Form
Question details
The user wants to generate a daily sequential Bill of Lading (BOL) number combining the current date (YYMMDD) and a daily sequence (e.g., -01) in a PDF form.
- Product
- PDF Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Designing a dynamic PDF form that requires unique, auto-incrementing sequential numbers for daily tracking.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a reliable JavaScript solution or workflow to automatically reset the sequence to 01 each new day and increment for subsequent forms.
Ensure you have a PDF editor that supports adding and editing document-level or button JavaScript, and be aware that local JavaScript solutions are best suited for single-user environments rather than multi-user network sharing.
Implement Document-Level JavaScript for Sequential Numbering
Use JavaScript to format the current date and append an incrementing sequence number, storing the last value in a hidden field.
Local PDF JavaScript cannot inherently sync across multiple users or devices simultaneously. This method is effective for a single user generating forms locally where the PDF file state is saved or handled through a trusted workflow.
Open your PDF form in a PDF editor. Create a visible text field named 'BOL_Number' to display the generated number, and a hidden text field named 'Last_Date' to store the tracking data.
Access the document's JavaScript editor (usually under the 'Prepare Form' or 'Form' menu). Add a script that retrieves the current date in 'YYMMDD' format.
Write logic within the script to compare the current date against the hidden 'Last_Date' field. If the date matches, increment the sequence; if it changes, reset the sequence to '01'.
Assign this script to a button (e.g., 'Generate BOL') or run it at the document level when the file is opened, ensuring it updates the hidden field upon execution.
Edit and Manage PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to create, fill, and manage interactive PDF forms. Whether you need to add text fields, buttons, or manage document properties, WPS PDF makes it seamless.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Access Form Tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon to view all available interactive form controls.
- 3. Add Text Fields: Click on 'Text Field' to insert a box where your BOL number will be displayed.
- 4. Save and Share: After configuring your form, save the document to lock in the layout and share it with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this JavaScript for multiple users on a shared network?
No, local PDF JavaScript cannot reliably maintain a shared sequence across multiple users or devices. If several people are creating forms simultaneously, you should use a server-side or database process to avoid duplicate BOL numbers.
How do I hide the tracking field in the PDF?
In your PDF form editor, right-click the text field you are using to store the last sequence, select Properties, and under the General tab, change the Form Field property from 'Visible' to 'Hidden'.
Will the sequence automatically reset at midnight?
The sequence resets based on the date comparison in your JavaScript. When the script runs to generate a new BOL, it checks the current date against the stored date; if they differ (which happens on a new day), it resets the sequence to 01.
