Sequential Numbers - HELP!

D

dave7822

I've been struggling with this problem for months! Please help!

Here's the problem:

I have 10 Excel files with lists of items. Each excel file is about
1000-2000 rows long. The first column is an inventory number that is
only populated once I acquire the item - so there are a lot of blanks
in the column. My problem is assigning sequential inventory numbers.
I worked out a way to disply the next number to use, by finding the
highest number on each file and populating 10 rows of a worksheet, then
finding the highest number of that list and displaying it in each of the
10 excel files. The problem occurs when I type in a typo in the number,
or accidently add a duplicate number. This is really a nightmare to
unravel when it happens.

Does anyone know a better way of assigning a sequential number while
insuring no duplicates in separate excel files?

I was thinking pivot table, macro, something....

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks...

Dave ([email protected])
 
B

BenjieLop

To avoid duplicating entries in your column,

1. Select a range where entries will be made (e.g., Cells A1:A500)
2. Go to Data/Validation/Custom
3. Enter this formula *=countif($A$1:A500,A1)=1*
4. Select "Error Alert" tab and enter any appropriate message (if you
like)

I may not be able to give you a decent answer on your sequential
numbering because I really cannot imagine how your entries look like.

Regards.
 
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