Coding Systems (Getting Started)

Sage 50 allows a great deal of flexibility in the way you create codes for records. The coding system you use is up to you. However, it is important that you create a consistent, logical method that everyone in your office understands.

Sage 50 sorts lists by the code you enter. If others are looking for a record you entered, their job is easier if they know how you coded that record. An example of a good coding system using six digits would be: using the first four letters of a company's name or a person's last name, and a two-digit numeric code. Thus, two customers named Aaron's Andirons, Inc. and Tommy Aaron could be coded:

• AARO01: Aaron's Andirons, Inc.
• AARO02: Tommy Aaron

Here are some samples of alternative coding systems (using Aaron's Andirons, Inc.):

• AARA01: The first three letters of the company's name, the first letter of any second name, and a two-digit number
• AARONSAN: The first eight letters of a company's name

You cannot use the following characters:

• Asterisks (*), plus signs (+), or question marks (?)
• Leading or trailing spaces (spaces in the middle of codes are okay)

Apply the same care and logic to setting up Type Codes. Type codes are a way of organizing records (employees, customers, vendors, items, jobs) that share similar characteristics. For example, you could organize customers by region—Southeast, Northwest, and so on. See, for example, the Type field on the General tab of the Maintain Employees window. Then, you can sort or filter reports by record type. See also Records.