WHAT IT'S USED FOR:
Accession numbers often include a mix of alpha and numeric characters. Usually the change from alpha to numeric characters (or vice versa) indicates a change of segment. If the Alphanumeric Segments check-box is checked, segments within an accession number format may include both numeric and alpha characters without a segment demarcation being implied by the system when parsing.
For most accession number formats this box will be left unchecked. This will allow prefixes in accession numbers to be validated and recorded with no segment delimiter placed between the prefix and the following segment.
For example, 'DA1999.100.123', where the DA stands for the Department and is followed by the year segment. In this case there is no need to insert a segment delimiter to indicate the change (but you can if you wish).
Very occasionally accession number formats include segments which are a mixture of alpha and numeric characters.
For example, an archive accession number format may have the following structure: series / box / file number. An accession number with this format might be '00001/123/AB67'. The file number (the example given here is 'AB67') is assigned by another agency, not by the user, and may contain both alpha and numeric characters. In this case you would check the check-box because you do want to allow an alphanumeric segment.
The Alphanumeric check box is often used in conjunction with a Pre parse routine.
If there is more than one occurrence of alpha and numeric characters with no segment delimiter inserted between them in any accession number format, you have a conflict which will effect accession number validation. Contact Vernon Systems for assistance. We can create a Pre-Parse program for you. This will apply extra logic to numbers using the format, and allow accession number validation.
For example, the accession number 'AR1983/123/AB67' appears to have two alphanumeric segments, although the first ('AR1983') actually consists of a Prefix (AR) and the year segment (1983). However, the second ('AB67') is truly an alphanumeric segment.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
The Definition Page of the Accession Number Formats window
HOW TO USE IT:
Email support@vernonsystems.com for help with Alphanumeric Segments.
