--- title: Customer Order Reference Numbers Explained description: Customer Order Reference Numbers Explained --- [Skip to content](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/customer-order-reference-numbers-explained#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![logo1_on_transparent](https://support.palletconnect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20pack/logo1_on_transparent.png?width=300&height=30&name=logo1_on_transparent.png)](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Pallet Connect](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Customers](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/customers?hsLang=en) 3. [Customer Questions](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/customers?hsLang=en#customer-questions) # Customer Order Reference Numbers Explained `` This article reviews the reference numbers within Pallet Connect. Reference Numbers relate to transactions such customer orders and the supporting documents. They are generated by the system and some numbers can be added. `` 1. When an Order is created, an Order Number and a reference number are automatically generated by the system. `` The Order Number and the Reference Number are shown separately.  **NOTE:** The numbers cannot be changed after order is created. The reference number is always a numerical sequence, the order and invoice numbers can vary based on System Settings.   `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/9f440224-49c4-486d-9aa0-c5bc23bb4b49/user_cropped_screenshot_72daa6097b804145bedea34981836c04_text_export.jpeg) `` 2. From the slide out menu, various associated PDF documents can be viewed. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-08-10/041bdd0b-3aa4-43ed-9459-8f94a8cab1a7/user_cropped_screenshot_56dbd0c116b2405fac215c3fe6a6d19a_text_export.jpeg) `` 3. ORDER: The Order/Reference Number is also included on the Order PDF, that can be sent to Customers. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/68e471d7-51bb-470f-af87-c6c35b85147b/user_cropped_screenshot_74f7892bd39a4da9b986c17c24936f51_text_export.jpeg) `` 4. DELIVERY SLIP: The BOL/delivery Slip is numbered separately but will also display the reference number to tie it to the order. `` **NOTE:** For Customer Collections, the 'Customer Pick Up Slip' will show the same information. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/4a72734e-69cd-4a4b-866b-8f6087fc7c15/user_cropped_screenshot_296762130a1b4a5aaf8d02583cfc5fd3_text_export.jpeg) `` 5. LOAD SHEET: The load sheet that is generated will also have a separate number than the order number but will match the Delivery Slip document number.  `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/f746e679-745e-45c4-b549-f835ba1dbd2c/user_cropped_screenshot_7c875d05cced4f3f95fc42f1eb4def80_text_export.jpeg) `` 6. BOM: The Bill of Materials for this order will have the reference number displayed. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/eb6ae25f-bf26-4451-bb1d-8d164e10c8e8/user_cropped_screenshot_ba8c28feaf6d405b982988e279b3b180_text_export.jpeg) `` 7. When the order is converted into an invoice it will be assigned an invoice number. The order number will still be displayed as a reference number. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-30/5fa9976c-6f60-4180-bbe0-feb84b4f1a44/user_cropped_screenshot_2b9d8031e66b4b8a97d29c13e468b3c2_text_export.jpeg) `` 8. From the slide out menu, the PDF of the Invoice and Proof of Delivery can be viewed. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-20/754528c2-5b6c-410d-a000-cc0435a5e0b5/ascreenshot_be2ef5ddc9d94daeb43a5ac36dd40124_text_export.jpeg) `` 9. INVOICE: The PDF version of the Invoice will contain the invoice number, the reference number and the POD (proof of delivery) number. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-31/32d134d4-0fdc-419c-b7f7-73c7798ad159/user_cropped_screenshot_db6f45930f7a466f9852936035c1322c_text_export.jpeg) `` 10. POD: The proof of delivery will have a document number but also display the invoice number. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-31/220b8bc1-4dab-46aa-9f89-37757e6d933a/user_cropped_screenshot_b2ef2d5a0417444cb8d89d4545d2941e_text_export.jpeg) `` 11. ADDITIONAL NUMBERS: A customer's "Purchase Order" Number can be added. `` There is also a field named "paper reference' number. This can be used for any additional reference number that is needed in the transaction. `` NOTE: These numbers will be displayed on order screens, order PDF, delivery slip, pick up slip, load sheet and invoice. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-07-31/6f9bc190-f056-43d2-b94f-900e1294fe88/user_cropped_screenshot_1b59e2a6541a49ca96e12822a28f1df7_text_export.jpeg) `` 12. SETTINGS: There are some system settings that affect the reference numbers. `` **"Assign Invoice Number When Order Created"** > A separate reference number is generated but not an Order number. The Invoice number and Order number are the same. `` **"Sites Use Unique Invoice Numbers"** > Use different sequencing in multi facility sites `` **Starting Numbers and Prefix** > change starting numbers and suffix or prefix, to customize transaction numbers. `` **Hide PO number/Hide paper reference number** > cannot be added in the system. `` ![](https://colony-recorder.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/2026-08-10/f4602a44-c9f7-4de7-81da-db5ca055a80f/screenshot_d76557250f6847a8bd228f1e3f07302e_text_export.jpeg) - [Getting started](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [How to Create Affiliates](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/getting-started?hsLang=en#how-to-create-affiliates) - [Initial Set Up](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/getting-started?hsLang=en#initial-set-up) - [How to Create Vendors](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/getting-started?hsLang=en#how-to-create-vendors) - [How to Set up Users](https://support.palletconnect.com/knowledge-base/getting-started?hsLang=en#how-to-set-up-users) - 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