[BertG]

Is there a way within Excel to Auto Generate a new number every time I open a spreadsheet.ie: I made a Purcahse Order template and I would like for Excel to generate a new Purchase Order number whenever I open it up. Can anyone let me know if this is a possibility.

[BrookW97]

I don't know how to do every time it opens, but you can do this by recording a Macro. If you aren't familiar with Macros, it's a way to record an action or series of actions. Basically, once you've recorded the Macro and told it what to do... you will just have a button in excel to click on every time you want a new invoice number.
I think for what you want, you will have to do in visual basics. I'm not very good at those but office has some step by step instructions. Search "Create a macro by using Microsoft Visual Basic" in HELP. (you will probably have to add the developer tool bar but this is all in step by step)
when it mentions code---
Try to use a code similar to this and paste just before sub: Range("D3").Value = Range("D3").Value + 1
I know you can also insert an object (button) and assign the macro to that button.

This is all above my head though--but maybe it will get you pointed in right direction.
good luck!

[ScottGem]

This is better done in a database, but is possible in a spreadsheet. But to help you we need to know more about the structure of your template. If it is, in fact a template (xlt file) then you would need to read the number from the last PO you saved since you can't save the template. So more info is necessary.

[BertG]

Thanks for your response. I did find a way to do it in VBE. With the following code:
Sub auto_open()
On Error Go to ErrorCatch
Cells(9, 13) = Cells(9, 13) + 1
If Cells(9, 13) = 10000 Then Cells(9, 13) = 0
ErrorCatch:
End Sub

It works great. I get a new p.o. # every time I open the Purchase order file.