All tutorials

Spreadsheet-free serial generation

Generate Serial Number Labels Automatically—Without Excel

Define the numbering rule once, review the live sequence, and print a controlled batch without building a spreadsheet of serial values.

No spreadsheet requiredPrefix, suffix and paddingStart, step and batch controls

Use this workflow when Excel is unnecessary

This page covers labels driven entirely by the internal serial generator. If every label must also carry product, location or batch values from a workbook, use the Excel plus serial-number guide.

Start with the serial label layout

Open the reusable serial template. The optional downloads are useful if you later decide to combine the sequence with spreadsheet fields.

1

Open a label and add a serial object

Start from the serial template or create a label at the required physical size. Open the serial-number controls for the object that will display the unique ID.

2

Build the serial format

Add a fixed prefix or suffix when needed and choose numeric padding. For example, prefix ASSET-, padding 5 and start 27 produces ASSET-00027.

The serial controls show prefix, suffix, padding, step, start, batch and live preview.
The serial controls show prefix, suffix, padding, step, start, batch and live preview.
3

Set the start and increment

Enter the first number and the step between labels. Most runs use +1; a custom step can represent an established numbering scheme.

4

Set the exact batch size

Batch is the number of serialized labels to generate. Match it to the approved production or asset-allocation count before printing.

5

Review the beginning and end of the sequence

Check the live preview, then inspect enough generated records to verify padding, rollover and the final value. Record the allocated range in your operational log.

6

Print and save the project

Print a sample, confirm readability, then print the batch. Save the project JSON so the layout and settings can be reused and the next approved starting value can be managed deliberately.

The common print setup supports thermal, A4/Letter and PDF output.
The common print setup supports thermal, A4/Letter and PDF output.

Production checklist

  • Prefix and suffix match the approved format
  • Padding keeps identifiers the same width
  • Start and final values are recorded
  • Step is intentional
  • Batch count matches the work order
  • A sample label is readable and scannable

Troubleshooting

ProblemWhat to check
The first value is wrongRecheck Start and whether a previous run already consumed part of the range.
Numbers skip unexpectedlyConfirm the Step setting; use 1 for consecutive integers.
IDs have inconsistent widthIncrease Padding so all numbers use a fixed digit count.
A repeated run could duplicate IDsAllocate and record ranges outside the app before printing the next batch.

Capability boundaries

What this workflow does

  • Generate serials with prefix, suffix, padding, start, step and batch values.
  • Show a live preview before a batch is printed.
  • Place the generated value in readable text or a supported code element.

What to plan outside it

  • This is a local generation workflow, not a central serial-allocation database.
  • The operator remains responsible for reserving ranges and preventing duplicate runs.
  • For row-specific spreadsheet context, use the separate Excel-plus-serial workflow.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Excel to create a serial sequence?

No. The internal serial generator can create the complete sequence from start, step, padding, prefix, suffix and batch settings.

Can the sequence increment by more than one?

Yes. Set a custom Step value when the numbering standard requires it.

How do I prevent duplicate serial numbers?

Reserve and record each printed range as part of your production process, then set the next approved start value deliberately.

Can serials be encoded in a barcode?

Yes. Use the generated serial value in a compatible barcode or 2D code and verify a printed sample with the production scanner.

Build the workflow with your own data

Start in the browser, verify a sample, and save the project when the production setup is ready.