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.