Sales Order Settings
Sales Order settings allow you to configure how sales order numbers are generated and set default content that appears on all your sales orders. These settings help maintain consistency and save time when creating new sales orders.
Accessing Sales Order Settings
- Navigate to Settings from the main menu
- Click on Sales from the settings categories
- Select Sales Order from the sales settings options
Sales Order Settings Overview
These settings control:
- How sales order numbers are created
- Default customer notes that appear on orders
- Default terms and conditions text
- Number format and prefix customization
Sales Order Number Generation
Generation Methods
You can choose from three different ways to generate sales order numbers:
Prefix with Sequence Number
- Creates numbers like: ORD001, ORD002, ORD003
- Uses your chosen prefix followed by sequential numbers
- Automatically increments for each new sales order
- Best for simple numbering systems
Prefix with Year and Sequence
- Creates numbers like: ORD2025001, ORD2025002
- Includes the current year in the order number
- Resets sequence each year
- Useful for annual record keeping
Manual Entry
- Allows you to type any number you want
- No automatic generation
- Complete control over numbering
- Requires manual entry for each order
Customizing Number Format
When using prefix-based generation, you can customize:
Prefix Text
- Add letters or numbers before the sequence
- Examples: “SO”, “ORDER”, “SALE”, “2025-SO”
- Keep it short and meaningful
- Appears at the beginning of every number
Number Format
- Controls how sequence numbers appear
- Examples: “001” (3 digits), “0001” (4 digits), “1” (no padding)
- Determines minimum number of digits
- Adds leading zeros if needed
Default Content Settings
Customer Notes
- Text that appears in the customer notes section of every new sales order
- Maximum 1,024 characters allowed
- Can include standard messages, instructions, or reminders
- Saves time by not having to type common notes repeatedly
Examples of useful customer notes:
- “Thank you for your order!”
- “Order processing time: 2-3 business days”
- “Please confirm delivery address”
- “Contact us for order updates”
Terms and Conditions
- Standard legal or business terms that appear on every sales order
- Maximum 2,048 characters allowed
- Include payment terms, delivery conditions, or legal disclaimers
- Ensures consistency across all sales orders
Examples of terms and conditions:
- Payment due upon delivery
- Delivery within 5-7 business days
- Order cancellation policy
- Returns and exchange terms
Configuring Sales Order Settings
Step 1: Choose Generation Method
- Access the Sales Order settings page
- Select your preferred number generation method
- Consider your business needs and record-keeping preferences
Step 2: Set Up Number Format (if applicable)
- Enter your desired prefix text
- Choose your number format pattern
- Preview how numbers will look
- Test with a sample to ensure it meets your needs
Step 3: Configure Default Content
- Add standard customer notes if desired
- Enter your terms and conditions
- Keep content professional and relevant
- Review for accuracy and completeness
Step 4: Save and Test
- Save your settings
- Create a test sales order to verify
- Check that numbers generate correctly
- Confirm default content appears as expected
Best Practices
Number Generation
- Choose a consistent prefix that identifies sales orders
- Use enough digits in sequence to accommodate growth
- Consider including year if you create many orders
- Keep numbering simple and professional
Content Consistency
- Use clear, professional language in default content
- Keep customer notes brief and relevant
- Include essential terms and conditions
- Review and update content periodically
Business Operations
- Set up numbering before creating your first sales order
- Train team members on the numbering system
- Maintain consistency across all documents
- Consider how numbering fits with other business processes
Common Setup Examples
Small Business Setup
- Generation Type: Prefix with Sequence
- Prefix: “SO”
- Number Format: “001”
- Result: SO001, SO002, SO003
Year-Based Tracking
- Generation Type: Prefix with Year and Sequence
- Prefix: “ORDER”
- Number Format: “001”
- Result: ORDER2025001, ORDER2025002
Department-Specific Setup
- Generation Type: Prefix with Sequence
- Prefix: “SALES-ORD”
- Number Format: “0001”
- Result: SALES-ORD0001, SALES-ORD0002
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Numbers Not Generating Correctly
- Check that generation type is set properly
- Verify prefix and format are entered correctly
- Ensure settings were saved successfully
- Test with a new sales order
Default Content Not Appearing
- Confirm content was entered and saved
- Check character limits are not exceeded
- Verify you’re creating new orders (not editing existing ones)
- Refresh the page and try again
Duplicate Number Issues
- Check if manual numbering is being used inconsistently
- Verify automatic generation is working properly
- Look for gaps in sequence that might cause confusion
- Consider resetting numbering if necessary
Format Changes Not Taking Effect
- Ensure changes were saved properly
- Check that new format applies to new orders only
- Existing orders retain their original numbers
- Test with a fresh order creation
Setup Recommendations
Initial Configuration
- Start with simple prefix and format
- Test numbering with sample orders
- Adjust format based on business volume
- Train users on the new system
Ongoing Maintenance
- Review settings periodically
- Update default content as business changes
- Monitor numbering for any issues
- Keep backup of settings configuration
Sales Order Workflow Integration
Understanding how settings affect the sales process:
Order Creation
- Numbers are automatically assigned based on your settings
- Default notes and terms appear on new orders
- Consistent formatting improves professional appearance
- Reduces data entry time for staff
Customer Communication
- Professional numbering builds customer confidence
- Clear terms and conditions prevent misunderstandings
- Consistent messaging reinforces brand identity
- Standard notes provide helpful information
Order Processing
- Sequential numbering supports order tracking
- Standardized format aids in organization
- Consistent terms ensure policy compliance
- Default content reduces errors and omissions
Integration with Other Sales Features
These settings integrate with:
- Sales Order Creation: Numbers and content applied automatically
- Document Generation: Settings appear on printed/PDF orders
- Customer Portal: Professional presentation enhances credibility
- Order Tracking: Consistent numbering supports tracking systems
- Invoice Generation: Orders can be converted to invoices seamlessly
- Reporting: Consistent format supports analysis and sorting
Proper sales order settings ensure professional document presentation, consistent numbering, and efficient order creation processes that support your sales operations and customer relationships.