What is Unique ID?

Before we begin, let's have look at these real-world examples.

Aadhaar Number : It is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Indian government to every individual resident of India.
Mobile Number : Every user is given a unique mobile number on purchase of SIM card.
GST Invoice Number : Under the Indian GST Regime, every Invoice must have a unique number and it must be unique during that financial year.

Now, just imagine what would happen if same mobile number is given to two or more persons. Chaos, isn't it?


Unique ID for Vouchers in Tally

To import data from Excel into Tally, every voucher must be given a unique id.

Note:
For Sales Invoices, you can use the Invoice Number as the Unique ID.


Common mistakes

Here are some common mistakes relating to unique id.

Example 1 - Unique ID is wrongly repeated.

As a result, only four vouchers will be imported in Tally as shown below:

  • Payment Rs 100
  • Payment Rs 300
  • Payment Rs 400
  • Payment Rs 500

Example 1 - Unique ID is now corrected

Now, all the five vouchers will be imported in Tally

  • Payment Rs 100
  • Payment Rs 200
  • Payment Rs 300
  • Payment Rs 400
  • Payment Rs 500

Example 2 - Unique ID is kept blank.

As a result, zero (0) vouchers will be imported in Tally.

Example 2 - Unique ID is now given correctly.

Now, all the five vouchers will be imported in Tally.


Example 3 - Party Code is given in the Unique ID column. This is wrong.

As a result, only four vouchers will be imported in Tally as shown below:

  • INV-2 - Vishal Traders
  • INV-3 - B K Autolink
  • INV-4 - Prithvi Enterprises
  • INV-5 - Amandeep Traders (Note: INV-5 overwrites the INV-1)

Example 3 - Invoice Number is now correctly given in the Unique ID column.

Now, all the five vouchers will be imported in Tally.

  • INV-1 - Amandeep Traders
  • INV-2 - Vishal Traders
  • INV-3 - B K Autolink
  • INV-4 - Prithvi Enterprises
  • INV-5 - Amandeep Traders

Example 4 - Unique ID column (containing Invoice Numbers) is not sorted.

As a result, the INV-2 is not imported correctly.

  • INV-1
    • Item X
    • Item Y
  • INV-2 (Wrong)
    • Item B
    • Item C
  • INV-3
    • Item M

Example 4 - Unique ID column is now sorted.

Now, all the invoices will be imported correctly.

  • INV-1
    • Item X
    • Item Y
  • INV-2 (Correct)
    • Item A
    • Item B
    • Item C
  • INV-3
    • Item M