We currently use a source code tracking system that entails someone establishing a random 4-digit number and that number is then assigned to a certain promotional effort. My boss wants the codes changed so that he and others can say (by looking at the number) that these sales are from a catalog or from a publication mailing or whatever the effort was and also identify the time frame it was mailed in.
We mail a variety of different pieces including envelopes, catalogs, self-mailers, email, web and sales reps. On top of that we offer a large variety of products using each of these vehicles including publications, books, videos, awards and training.
The part that is tripping me up is that I only have 6 digits to work with and only numbers are allowed.
###
Jay’s Answer: If the six digits are: ABCDEF
A = medium code (0-9)
BC = product code (00-99)
D = last digit of year (0-9)
EF = week of year (0-52)
If you have more than 100 products, then:
A = medium code (0-9)
BCD = product code (000-999)
EF = week of current year (0-52)
If you could also use letters + numbers, you could get a much larger range (use A-Z, excluding I and O, which will give you 24+10 =36 characters per slot)