How could I thoroughly close the Leading Zero function of Material No.?

Question

There are only a checkbox in SPRO with the function Leading Zeros of Material No. in
Material Master->Basic Settings->Define Output Format of Material Numbers.
But this function either make the Material ID full of Leading Zeros or delete all the Leading Zeros of it.
Could I make the Material ID as normal string type without those functions?
Because I want to set my Material ID as different between '0001234' or '00001234'.
Could any one help me? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Hi,
Yes, of course you can, on the screen "Define Output Format of Material Numbers", you can find an indicator "Lexicographical", If this indicator is set, material numbers are stored as follows:
If the material number (numeric or not purely numeric) was assigned externally, it is stored left-justified as entered.
Example
Defined length: 8 characters
Externally assigned number: 123
Stored number: 123
Note
Any leading zeros that may have been entered are stored too. This makes it possible to distinguish between the material numbers 123 and 0123.
If the material number (numeric only) was assigned internally, it is padded with leading zeros to the defined length and stored left-justified.
Example
Defined length: 8 characters
Internally assigned number: 123
Stored number: 00000123
Activate it and make the number is assigned externally, then you can realize your request!
Good luck
Tao