Import Ordering with AutoNumber's

Feature Request: Preserve Import Order with Autonumbering

Summary:
Ensure that when users import items with autonumbering enabled, the system preserves the original order from the import source (e.g., spreadsheet) and applies numbers according to that exact order. This keeps imported structures consistent and predictable.

Problem Statement:
Currently, when items are imported with autonumbering active, the system may reorder items rather than maintaining the sequence defined in the import sheet. This can cause confusion, misalignment with external planning documents, and additional manual effort to reconcile or reorder items after import. In environments where order carries meaning (e.g., hierarchy, priority, or sequence of work), losing the original order is especially problematic.

Proposed Solution:
When importing items with autonumbering turned on:

• Preserve the exact row order from the import file and use that sequence as the basis for autonumbering.

• Apply autonumber values strictly in the preserved order, without resorting based on name, ID, or other attributes.

• Provide a clear indication in the import dialog that order will be taken from the source file when autonumbering is enabled.

• Optionally offer a setting or checkbox to “Preserve import file order for autonumbering,” defaulted to on, to avoid unexpected reordering.

Benefits:

• Maintains consistency between imported data and the original source documents.

• Reduces manual reordering and post-import cleanup.

• Lowers risk of misinterpretation where item order conveys priority or logical sequence.

• Improves user trust and predictability of the import and autonumbering behavior.