Sequential numbering, also known as consecutive numbering, is a process where numbers are printed in ascending or descending order on various documents and items. This system assigns each unit a unique number, ensuring that every piece in a series is individually identifiable.
The numbers can be printed in various locations on a piece, often in red ink for visibility. This method is widely used in the printing industry for a range of documents and items.
For example, a small business needs NCR Invoice books printed and to give each Invoice a unique pre printed number, they use sequential numbers on the books, starting from 0001 onwards or a desired number.
Common Uses of Sequential Numbering
Sequential numbering finds extensive application in business and operational contexts. Here are some common examples:
- NCR (No Carbon Required) Books / Forms: Widely used in NCR pads, books, and sets for contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and receipts.
- Checks and Raffle Tickets: Utilised for accounting control and to ensure unique identification for each ticket.
- Inventory and Inspection Tags: Applied on hang tags for easy tracking and management.
- Business Documents: Used in sales contracts, warranty certificates, repair tickets, and other vital business forms for record-keeping and preventing unauthorised use.
Benefits of Sequential Numbering
- Unique Identification: Provides a distinct reference number for each item, crucial for tracking and verification.
- Preventing Duplication: Ensures no replication of numbers, which is vital for items like product serial numbers, admission tickets, and raffle entries.
- Organisational Efficiency: Facilitates easy categorisation, filing, and retrieval of documents, saving time and effort.
- Counterfeit Prevention: Acts as a built-in mechanism to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorised usage of documents.
How to Use Sequential Numbering in Printing
- Customisation: The position of the numbers can be customised (single or multiple positions) and printed either horizontally or vertically.
- Design Considerations: When developing custom designs, it’s advised to include a box for sequential numbering for ease of reference.
- Equipment and Quality Control: Many printers use special numbering machines to guarantee accurate and unique numbering.
Sequential numbering is a simple yet powerful tool for ensuring organisation, security, and efficiency in various business operations and document management systems.
Its versatility and practicality make it an indispensable feature in the printing industry.
