Asset ID

Hello:

I have a customer who has a requirement to add an alphanumeric prefix to the asset id key field when generating new asset id either through the GUI or on import. Since the asset_id field is an auto-increment field, simply adding a varchar prefix is not possible. Anyone have any ideas on how I might accomplish this?

Here is how the requirement reads:

CRS #1:  The automatic asset code generation should be of the following format: 

<prefix><10-digit numeric value>

Where:
o    Prefix – This is a constant string value for all asset code generated.  The client should be able to set prefix value depending on where the stand-alone PC is installed.  The prefix should accept printable ASCII characters. Example:  XXX-IT
o    10-digit numeric value – should start from 0000000001 up to 9999999999.  Beyond the max value should inform user that maximum asset code has been reached.

By using this format, all asset id generated should be of the same length.
The asset code should be auto-generated by default when creating new assets.

Thanks!

Paul