repetitive data entry

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

working in excel -- want to enter alpha-numeric data - by column that - that
will access that more descriptive data "somewhere" in order to eliminate
repetitive entry. Example: Column A=Ref# that is always associated with the
same description. How can I manage to enter numerous 2-digit codes in column
"A", and have more descriptive data -- say in column "B" -- auto-fill with
data associated with the code in column "A"?
 
This is an Access Database newsgroup. You should post your questions on Excel
on one of the Microsoft/Excel newsgroups.

But to answer your question - there are a couple of ways to do what you want.

I would probably make a new worksheet and put the codes/descriptions there.
Sort the 2 digit codes ascending. Define a name for the data table. Name the
sheet something short (like LUTBL - less typing in the formulas). You could
hide the sheet so it doesn't accidently get changed.

In column "B" of the sheet where you enter the codes, use the VLookUp()
function to get the description from the lookup table. Check help for the
correct syntax. (Its been a long time since I've done any programming in
Excel)

Another way would be to use a form event; you could do the lookup and do
data validation at the same time. If the 2 digit code you entered wasn't in
the lookup table, you could hi-lite the cell or pop up a message box. More
work, but more control of what happens.

Gook luck

Steve
--------------------------------
"Veni, Vidi, Velcro"
(I came; I saw; I stuck around.)

sanfu at techie dot com

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