Input Mask for different control numbers

[Guest]

Input Mask for different control numbers

I use a macro/query to create control numbers (A3341-05-11-XX01) based on
differing shop codes ---
3341
3341A
A3341
A3341A
The control number is broken down like –
A – Special type shop
0000 – Department number
A – Sections or sub-sets in the department
00 – Year
00 – Month
XX – Initials
00 – Sequential records in the same month by the same person.

I need an Input Mask that will accommodate all of the shop code formats.
If I use ?0000?\-00\-00\-LLCa for 3341 I get spaces where the letter entry
is optional.
If I use a0000a\-00\-00\-LLCa then 3341 displays as 33410511XX.

Any suggestions?

 

[Rick Brandt]

Input Mask for different control numbers

I use a macro/query to create control numbers (A3341-05-11-XX01)
based on differing shop codes ---
3341
3341A
A3341
A3341A
The control number is broken down like -
A - Special type shop
0000 - Department number
A - Sections or sub-sets in the department
00 - Year
00 - Month
XX - Initials
00 - Sequential records in the same month by the same person.

I need an Input Mask that will accommodate all of the shop code
formats. If I use ?0000?\-00\-00\-LLCa for 3341 I get spaces where
the letter entry is optional.
If I use a0000a\-00\-00\-LLCa then 3341 displays as 33410511XX.

Any suggestions?

My suggestion would be "Don't use an InputMask". They are evil enough when your
data always has the same format.

 

[tina]

I use a macro/query to create control numbers

if the control number is being generated by a macro/query, where is it that
you need to use an input mask? do you mean setting the Format property,
instead? if you explain the process in some detail, we might be able to come
up with a solution that works.

hth