This article explains how to customize the number of process instances linked to an environment. By default, the instance numbering is sequential (1, 2, 3…), however, you can easily add information such as the current year and the process name to better distinguish your instances in the task list.

What is custom numbering?

Default: simple numbering, increasing from 1.

Custom: you define a format that can be composed of:

• A sequence (increasing number),
  
• A dynamic data (e.g., current year, process name),
  
• And textual elements (prefix/suffix, separators such as -, _).

Typical uses: distinguish instances across projects, make sorting and searching easier, standardize a company-wide convention.

Enable custom numbering

1. Open the Environment Management page of the desired environment.
   
   
2. Select the Process Automation extension.
   
   
3. In the “Instance numbering” section, select “Custom” (Note: the Universal system mode refers to the default mode, that is,  the 1, 2, 3… sequence).
   
   
4. Choose whether to include “Current Year“ and “Process“ in the custom numbering by checking their respective boxes. Then, build the format by entering text and inserting dynamic content, as shown below:
   
   • Type “:” (colon) to open a list of suggested fields, or click the command below the input field.
     
     
     
     
   • Example of customization: Current year – Process name – Sequence.
5. Click “Confirm.”
6. Create a first instance to verify if that the custom numbering is correctly applied in the task list.
   
   

Important notes

• After the first instance is created, the configuration is locked and can no longer be changed.
  
• To change the format later, you must delete all instances in the environment.
  
• Recommended: test the format in a test environment before production.

Need help?

If you are unsure about the best convention to adopt or about a change in production, contact the Support team.