Generating a unique case ID #

Generating a unique case ID #

How might I go about having a unique customer number emailed to my customer on submission of a form?  

I am needing to keep track of my customers cases by way of a 6 digit "case/customer number" which would be generated automatically and emailed to them at the time of form submit.  I would also require that the case numbers progress by 3 digits with each new submission.  

Any help?   I am grateful in advance!