The data field number is displayed in the first column of the data sheet. The data field numbers always remain consecutive and start from 1. When you insert or move a new data field, XPAC updates the data field numbers so that they remain consecutive. You cannot change the data field numbers directly.

Referencing data fields in XCM using numbers

Data fields may be referenced in an XCM using the data field number. The reference begins with a capital M for the main database, a capital C for a calendar database and a capital R for a results database. The capital letter is followed by round brackets and inside the brackets is the data field number as follows.

M(main database data field number)

C(calendar database data field number)

R(results database data field number)

There is a disadvantage in using the data field number to reference a data field in XCM. If you insert a new data field or move existing data fields, the data field numbers will all change and the XCM will need to be updated to reflect this. Instead, you should use data field codes. The codes do not generally change when you move data fields around.