Understanding Sequence Numbers

What sequence numbers are in Reach, how to choose a numbering scheme for your team, and why keeping them organized matters.

Overview

Every Program and Notification Type in Reach has a Sequence Number. You assign it yourself when creating either one. It is a numeric identifier used for internal organization, not for any subscriber-facing purpose. This article explains what sequence numbers do, how to choose them, and how to use them effectively.

Sequence numbers are internal only

Sequence numbers are never shown to subscribers. They are a tool for your team to organize and track programs and notification types.

What Sequence Numbers Do

A sequence number gives each program and notification type a unique numeric identity within your setup. Reach uses them to help you spot duplicates and to associate related items visually. The number itself has no effect on message delivery, priority, or order of sending.

How to Choose Sequence Numbers

Use number ranges per department

A common approach is to assign each department its own number range. For example, the Water Department uses the 20000s, the Billing team uses the 30000s. That way, if you see sequence number 20045, you immediately know it belongs to the Water Department.

Use related numbers for notification types

When a Notification Type belongs to a Program, use numbers that are close to the Program's sequence number. For example, if the program is 20000, its notification types might be 20001, 20002, and 20003. This makes it easy to see at a glance which notification types belong to which program.

Level	Example name	Sequence number
Program	Water Main Break Alerts	20000
Notification Type	Initial Alert	20001
Notification Type	Progress Update	20002
Notification Type	All Clear	20003
Program	Water Quality Advisory	20100
Notification Type	Advisory Issued	20101
Notification Type	Advisory Lifted	20102

Can Sequence Numbers Be Duplicated?

Reach allows duplicate sequence numbers. It will not throw an error if two programs share the same number. However, using unique numbers is strongly recommended. Duplicates make it harder to search, audit, and track down a specific program when something goes wrong.

Changing a Sequence Number

You can edit a sequence number after creation by opening the program or notification type settings and updating the field. There is no impact on existing campaigns or templates when you change a sequence number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a required format for sequence numbers?

A: No strict format, but they must be numeric. Letters and special characters are not accepted.

Q: What if I run out of numbers in a range?

A: Just extend the range. If the Water Department started with 20000s and has filled them up, move to 21000s or whatever range makes sense for your organization.

Q: Do sequence numbers need to be unique across all departments?

A: No, only within your own department's configuration. Two different departments can use the same numbers without conflict.

Q: Can I search for a program by its sequence number?

A: Not directly from a search field in the portal. You would need to scroll through the campaign tree. This is one reason to keep numbers organized and documented.

Q: Do sequence numbers affect the order campaigns are launched?

A: No. Sequence numbers have no effect on when or how campaigns are triggered. They are organizational only.

Need More Help?

For your convenience, please find the relevant articles listed below.

• Create a Program Where sequence numbers are assigned when creating a program.
• Create Notification Types Where sequence numbers are assigned for notification types.