The point about incremented numbers applies to something like an invoicing
system, where you do not want to have the gaps in the numbering sequence
that will result from, say, a user going to a new invoice record, then
exiting without saving. Auditors don't like that. If the number is hidden
from the user, and is exposed only for diagnostic purposes as you have
described, that is exactly the situation to which autonumbers are
well-suited. There are a few situations in which the autonumber may be
exposed to the user for valid reasons. For instance, a calls database may
provide a reference number so that when the person calls again they can
refer to the previous conversation.
Your original posting gave the impression (although in fairness it was not
specifically stated) that you were trying to obtain the next number in
sequence. Many people who post here are trying to get autonumber to
increment without gaps, so it is not too big a stretch to read that into
your posting. In any case, there is nothing to gain by insulting people who
do not respond as you would wish, even if they make unwarranted assumptions.
I find myself adding additional explanation at times because somebody has
assumed something about my design, but if I try to explain everything all at
once people tend to glaze over and not respond at all. That's just the way
it is with volunteer newsgroups.
By the way, I had a chance to go to Allen Browne's web site. The article is
here:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-40.html