Looking for a tool to generate Part numbers

Hi all, I have a client that is looking for a way to generate part numbers quickly.  The current system, which seems to work well, is a concantonation of Project number-system designator - file type (P,D,A) - and an increment.  Problem is, if 2 people are generating files at the same time, they could overwrite.

I had the thought that a Jave applet could take the information, look in a central table, and generate the part number automatically.  If a part number is generated and not used, it aouldn't be a big deal.

Does anyone know if there is an application out there that already does that?

Thanks,

Christine

SolidworksGeneral