Create a single root ID that follows a record through its entire lifecycle: client, lead, estimate, job, and invoice.

Requirements:

Generate one immutable root ID at first touch.

Add a short type code per entity (e.g., CL-, LD-, EST-, JOB-, INV-) while preserving the same root.

Auto-propagate the root ID to every downstream record.

Show the root ID in UI, search, filters, exports, and reports.

Expose it in the API and webhooks for integrations.

Prevent duplicates; allow merge without breaking the root chain.

Optional backfill to link existing records.

Benefit: end-to-end traceability, faster audits, cleaner reporting, and simpler integrations—one job family, one ID.