Sort Order with merged, paired, grouped rows.

Hi All.

Looking for some expert advise as this is a little beyond me!
I've searched forum after forum but can't find the answer that will work for me.

I have a list of data that has information in groups of 2 rows.
I have several columns containing different data (some text, some list dropdown, some images, etc.)
I need the freedom to be able to sort order by any column depending on the order I need to see the information.

In my example the first row is the qty being orders, the second row is the barcode number for that SKU.
In each of the other columns are things like; supplier, delivery date, shipment terms, etc.

I could split all this information out into one single row but the issue is the columns would become too numerous.

The reason for this file is to raise purchase orders to suppliers.
Therefore its critical that when sorting I know the file can't break.
If it breaks I might get a list of products with mixed up qtys, barcodes, etc, etc.
You can imagine what a disaster that could be!

I understand sorting with 'grouped' rows & merged cells may not be possible.
I understand may be a macro might be what I need (but do I have to write a macros for each & every column!? How do I even go about writing a macro!?)

I've attached my file & hope someone can help me!
Hopefully self explanatory when you see the file.

Thanks!

Noted I could have my 'header' at the top with merged cells, then leave a blank row to which I apply the autofilter.

That doesn't help me however as the list data also have grouped cells & 'grouped' / 'paired' (whatever you want to call it) rows so that once sorted MUST stay together with their corresponding data in the other row.

I don't think auto filters are an option in this case.
I think it's a macro.
I just don't know how to go about writing such a macro.
May be pivot tabels are the answer but again I've no experience of these.

Thanks any way.

Originally Posted by FDibbins

Agree. Perhaps consider having an extra column for that "trailing" ro data in E:K. What is the purpose for that extra data anyway?

The column cell data are for lots of things from order number, item SKU, item name, qty, (with related barcode in below row), supplier, etc, etc.

I therefore might want to see all my orders by order number or may be by supplier, or may be by product or may be by qty ordered, etc, etc.

This is the reason for the extra column cell data.

The reason for x2 rows per product is that E:K are the qty per size with the corresponding barcode number per size.

I could put everything on one row but then the list would become really long.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by shg

But that's what you should do. That's how Excel is designed to work.

Appreciate that but there are ways round it. I don't want a big long list on one row.

Originally Posted by shg

Go for it.

I do appreciate any comments and help, I wouldn't be here asking if I didn't need the help (don't bite the hand that feeds you) but you're comments this isn't really helping.
Telling me you can't sort merged rows is simply telling me what I already know.

I need help with a macro or something to be able to take the data as I need it to be viewed (as per the file example I gave), to then do some tricks (maybe selecting the data, copying it out onto one row, sort it & then re-building the data as I need it to be viewed).
Just a long winded idea, may be there are other ways of doing what I'm trying to achieve.

Thanks any way.

Originally Posted by shg

If you're going to create a macro, create one that takes your data in proper database format and generates a report for presentation that looks however you want it to look - merged cells, multi-row headers, whatever suits your fancy.

Don't confuse data with presentation.

Very good point, very good idea.

This form is to be used by a customer to enter their 'orders'
I could extract that to a hidden data sheet & then use a macro to present the data the way I want.
Good shout. Might give that a go!

Originally Posted by newdoverman

Here is your data with the cells unmerged and the sum adjusted to take care of the changes to the cell contents that I made.
This is just to show that it can be done without adding columns.

Thanks.

This might work well however it's consolidating the qty per size & barcode into one row. Not exactly what I need but the idea is there.

Might work on something with a combination of your example + "shg"

Thanks again for the input.