We have an SAP database that logs customer contacts. However, many of our busine

Question

We have an SAP database that logs customer contacts. However, many of our business units don't have access to that database, so they fill in the same data manually using Excel#. I'm trying to creaate an Excel-based template that they can all use so there's some consistency in what data they enter.

I don't know if this is possible in Excel, and I've searched around on the web and haven't found much. The closest thing I can tell is using a Data Form, but Excel keeps telling me I have too many fields (there are, in fairness, quite a few). Anyway, here's what I'd like to do in a perfect world:

Does that make sense? Is it possible? I know it's asking a spreadsheet to do what a databaase does, but is it possible? If so, how would I go about it??

Thanks!

Explanation / Answer

How many is "... quite a few" fields? :-) Data> Form will accommodate as many as 32 fields, which [IMHO] should be more than enough for contact records. If there are more than that...

Without more details I may be oversimplifying the task :-) but here's a rather basic approach.

It sounds to me like you need only create an Excel template file. The template would contain nothing more than an empty Table with the requisite columns/fields defined. Use Data Validation & formatting as appropriate & include calculations if needed. [BTW: The Data Form can also be used to add records to a Table but still is limited to 32 fields.)

When a user generates a new workbook from the template they need only enter the data for as many records as they have to add. The file can be saved aas any of the supported file types, including CSV, DIF, SLK@, Text, etc. to be imported to athe SAP database. [The Table aspects are preserved only if saved as an Excel file type that supports the feeature.]

No VBA would be required but you can automate the Save process if you wish.

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