Reply To: numerical variables inside paragraphs, like numbered lists.

Here's one article about figure numbering (most of which you may already know):

https://creativepro.com/fig…..o-them.php

I think talking to the folks at DTP tools is a great idea; that is clearly the best general x-ref tool around. Given the breadth of documents you're making, you should also look at some of the plug-ins at in-tools.com.

Another idea is to explore working with a larger workflow company, such as typefi.com, where they have a wide range of off-the-shelf and custom tools.