Is there a way that you can assign an Item number in the import based on a UDF in the CI_Item master?

Please do not kill the messenger.  My thoughts are no, but then maybe I am not creative enough.

The import file has a value that is stored in the CI_Item.  Prior to the purchase order, they want to import Item numbers using the Next function, so the item number is not know until after the Item import.

Thank you in advance