Tabs3 allows numeric, alphanumeric, and alpha Client IDs. The Tabs3 Client ID format is determined by the Key Type defined in Tabs3 Customization.

We recommend that you set up your client numbering system so that the portion of the Client ID to the left of the decimal represents the client, and the portion of the client number to the right of the decimal represents an individual matter for the client. Numbering your clients in this manner allows you to take advantage of various built-in features as indicated in the following table:

Numeric Mixed Alpha Features
    The ability to automatically assign the next available client number.
  The ability to automatically assign the next available matter number.
The ability to apply a single payment to multiple matters.
If a client name, name search, address selection, contact name, phone selection, email address, or location change is made to the first matter for a client, you have the option to automatically make the change to any or all matters for that client.
Certain information from the last active matter for a client will be used as defaults when adding new matters.
Generating cover statements for clients with multiple matters.
Combining matters on statements.
Subtotaling by client on certain reports.
The ability to print only client subtotals on certain reports.
The ability to group by client on the Client Ledger Report.
The ability to print one matter per client on the Client List Report, Client Labels and reports designed using the optional Tabs3 Report Writer.
  The ability to run the Top Client Report by matter.
    The ability to run the Merge Data Capture Transactions program for select data capture interface programs.

Note: When using a Mixed or Alpha Key Type, only the letters A-Z and numbers 0-9 can be used in the client ID. Special characters are not allowed. Client IDs are not case sensitive; for example, client SMITH.001 is the same as client Smith.001.