Forum Discussion
Using tables, lists, and dropdowns and not sure how to make this work…
You're correct, it's just the classification and hourly wage rate (and hours worked) that would change when the employee is wearing a different hat; he could wear a different hat multiple times a week on a project.
Unfortunately, I'm in a situation where I have to do this. I totally get what you're saying about going about it a different way but in this case I'm stuck doing it the way I am. I shall continue the fight and figure things out one way or another. 😉
Thank you again so much, Mathetes, and I wish you an absolute blast of a summer holiday at the beach! 🙂
I shall continue the fight and figure things out one way or another. 😉
Thank you again so much, Mathetes
You're welcome, for sure. It was (and continues to be) an interesting challenge. I'm still available if you want to post more questions. You might want to start a new thread with a clear new question or two. And make sure you include a link to the then current version.
Oh, outstanding, thank you!! 🙂
I'm off to start a new thread about why my dropdown lists are appearing the way they are on my daughter's computer and if there's a way to change it. 🙂
Thank you again and have a terrific evening!!Oh, that's excellent! I was thinking (hoping?) that might be a possibility. Thank you!
That's very interesting about the helper columns. There have been times when I thought something like that would be useful but I didn't really have a super-strong need ever to pursue it. Very nice to know that capability exists!
And, lol, that's me... creative (or more like "bull in a china shop"). 😉
Thank you again!One of the things we "experts" sometimes advise--to avoid overly complicated formulas--is to create what are called helper columns. The helper columns, which can be hidden from the user once everything is working, are where interim processes or calculations are performed, with the results used by other helper columns or, ultimately, displayed in the "visible portion" of the workbook.
In essence, what you're suggesting is that on a bigger scale: a helper worksheet, performing things behind the scenes, with the clean results displayed on the printable "final" worksheet.
It's a workable idea (actually quite creative) given the constraints you've been given. It does present the risk of being inadvertently messed up by somebody who doesn't realize what's going on. So you will want to investigate and use (if you're not already) spreadsheet protection.
Out of curiousity, if the 347 worksheet was set up "like a spreadsheet should be" would I have been able to accomplish my most recent desire, trying to get the real name (column a) to appear in the cell even though the dropdown list was mapped(?) to the coded name (column b)?
If I understand what you're doing, yes. Essentially you're creating that aforementioned "helper column"
Thank you so much! I too have enjoyed myself (may have even uttered a couple squeals of joy, lol). 🙂
I have a thought running around in my head about having two 347's in the workbook, one laid out like you've said it should be (347-A) and the one that I'm currently stuck with using (347-B).
When I'm ready to pursue it and I have questions about it I'll go ahead and start a new thread but I wanted to mention it here to you since you've been helping me so much with this. 🙂
What I was thinking is that 347-A would be the one that does all the work (like the 347-B is currently doing) and because it's laid out like a spreadsheet should be everything will work properly, including the more complex issues.
The cells on the 347-B could then have simple references to the 347-A worksheet instead of needing complex formulas, etc.
The user would fill in the 347-A worksheet but print the completed-automatically 347-A worksheet.
Out of curiousity, if the 347 worksheet was set up "like a spreadsheet should be" would I have been able to accomplish my most recent desire, trying to get the real name (column a) to appear in the cell even though the dropdown list was mapped(?) to the coded name (column b)?
Thank you again, Mathetes! Have a great day!!