Using a Smart Numbering System in lieu of the default products_id

I have a strong understanding of relational databases. I would like to use a smart numbering system for my products (i.e. each digit in a product number nnnnnnnn has meaning that ultimately describes the product/SKU).

I know that I can go directly into myPHPadmin and change products_id to the new number in zen_products, but where else is the products_id used? Is there an "easy" way to update every instance at once?

To better explain, I want to change my products_id "1" to be “12345678.” I can update it manually in the DB in the zen_products table, but where else will I need to update it? (What other tables?)

I have never used EasyPopulate, but I plan on using something like it (or develop it myself) to do a mass upload of products and the smart numbers. Any advice?

I guess the other question is…what updates are made to which tables when a new product is added in Zen Cart Admin? I was thinking that if I could find the update queries (where are they?), I could simply keep the original products_id values and map them to the smart numbers in any unused field in the zen_products table.

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

-David

I am planning on creating my own product type and adding my own identifier. This is for my own tracking and fulfillment. That would do what you want and will not interfere with the potantial business logic and database dependencies.

I have not done it yet, so my advice is untested. That is the way I am leaning.

Good Luck

Here is a link to the documentation on doing that:
http://www.zen-cart.com/wiki/index.php/Product_Types

I would not touch the products_id as that is throughout all bazillion files in the Catalog and Admin and functions a million different ways ...

You would be better off adding a field and use that field as you need it ...