Hi,
I have a large list of data records, 600+, and would like to use List Validation but find EXCEL's default Validation not appropriate for such long lists.
What would be perfect is similar to what you get in Access, when you type in part of the record string required, a drop-down list appears and shows you the record entries that have that string within them and not necessarily in character order, quickly wittling down to the few records that apply and then use your arrow keys to move and select the correct record, etc.
Example,
I own a salon, and many shampoo ranges have many similar products:
Superstar
Superstar Blow Dry Lotion
Superstar Leave In Conditioner
Superstar Shampoo
Superstar Conditioner
So if I typed in "Super", my drop down list would show these 5 records and then I could use the arrow key to quickly select the correct one, saving time without having to type the whole entry and/or get the description wrong, making later MATCH and INDEX functions fail.
A sticky problem is that in some ranges staff enter in slightly different names for the same thing, however somewhere in their description "Super" will appear.
Example: Superstar is actually a Bedhead range of TIGI, but thats being a bit precise but unfortunately some staff do look for products in my lists by using full details.
bedhead Superstar
bedhead Superstar Blow Dry Lotion
bedhead Superstar Leave In Conditioner
bedhead Superstar Shampoo
bedhead Superstar Conditioner
But if I type "Super", I still want these options to come up
I have attached, a work sheet showing where I am trying to go with this idea?
Sheet 1 is my "Idea" of sorts
Sheet 2 is some "sample data" of approx 200+ records
Sheet 3 is the worksheet my staff enter into each day to manage the daily takings of cash, which is the bit I need to improve as they hate typing in long descriptions for "Products"
Any guidance appreciated.
Simon.