How do I group alpha numeric data in excel?

[Guest]

sI have been tasked with taking customer data and reviewing the minimum
threshold for all of our bulk oil products. The spreadsheet contain approx.
15 columns and 30,000 rows of data. The data I am particularly interested in
contains product codes. At the end of every alpha numeric code is a package
type descriptor. I need to have the ablility to select only the data
contianing the bulk descriptor. The codes look like: 98GN45-88, 95C989-8855,
4578Q8-49. Our bulk descriptor is the 88. I have tried numerous ways to have
the lists select only the bulk data with no success. I am think about
creating a custom filter using all the bulk codes, of which there are
probably 50. I'm not even sure that is possible or will work. Is there a
simple solution?

 

[Biff]

AutoFilter should work.

Select Custom
Contains 88

Biff

 

[David Biddulph]

But that would include cells with 88 in the middle of the number, including
in the part prior to the hyphen. Where does the 88 have to occur to satisfy
the OP's criterion? Does -8855 count? If not, and only -88 at the end
counts, then you may want to choose "ends with -88". If your bulk 88 can
occur anywhere within the part after the hyphen, the the easiest option
might be Data/ Text to Columns, using the hyphen as a delimiter, & then use
Biff's "contains 88" filter criterion on the second column.

 

[Guest]

Yes, I used the contains search. (88) I also used the does not contain.
(88*5) And it worked pretty well. I then looked for the select few that had
88 in the code itself and deleted them. Thanks for the help.

 

[Biff]

You're welcome. Thanks for the feedback!

Biff

Yes, I used the contains search. (88) I also used the does not contain.
(88*5) And it worked pretty well. I then looked for the select few that
had
88 in the code itself and deleted them. Thanks for the help.