Check Writer Pre-Assigned Check Numbers (CWCHK) defines pre-assigned or reserved check numbers by Check Writer file and bank. Pre-assigning check numbers within a file is done outside of Advantage in the process that builds the file and updates the external system with those check numbers. This method is chosen when the alternative – updating the external system after running a file – is no desired or possible.
The Allow Pre-Assigned Check Numbers field on Check Writer Options (CWOPT) page for the current fiscal year must be selected before any records can be added to this page. This setting only makes it possible to use the pre-assignment feature but does not require it. Requiring it is typically done by bank, which is likely to correspond to a single external system. As part of the certification process, the use of CWCHK is verified.
The system utilizes the Number of Checks Requested and the Check Bank Account values to determine the Starting Check Number and the Ending Check Number from the next check number on the Bank (BANK) page. Upon successful insertion, the next check number on BANK is updated to reflect the number of checks used. Once the check numbers are reserved, the user can use these check numbers to prepare the Check Writer File used as the input to the Table Load Chain process.
CWCHK record updates are made by the CW Check/EFT Generation process so that a record used is updated with information about that usage: All Checks Used, All Checks Used Date/Time Stamp, and All Checks Used User ID.