refereernummer

Refereernummer is a label used in Dutch administrative and commercial contexts to identify a specific item, such as a document, order, transaction, or case. The function of a refereernummer is to provide a stable, machine-readable handle that can be used to locate information, confirm status, and link related communications.

In practice, organizations assign refereernummers at the moment of creation. They are typically unique within the issuing system and may be referenced in invoices, service tickets, shipment notices, or healthcare referrals. The number acts as a key identifier that helps staff and customers retrieve records quickly and ensures that messages about a specific item are correctly matched.

Formats of refereernummers vary widely. They can be numeric strings, alphanumeric codes, or include prefixes that indicate department, project, or year. Some systems use sequential numbering, while others incorporate date components or check digits to reduce errors and improve validation.

Usage considerations include maintaining consistency across documents and databases, avoiding reuse of numbers, and ensuring that the number is easy for users to copy, paste, and search. It is also advisable to avoid embedding sensitive personal data within the number itself and to document the numbering scheme so new users understand how to interpret and generate refereernummers.

See also: referentienummer, invoice number, order number, tracking number.