Here's A Quick Way To Solve A Problem with LIST TO DATA
You've got a problem with your "LIST TO DATA" process and you need a quick fix? Excellent! The list to data quickest way to solve a problem with "LIST TO DATA" is often to apply a specific, targeted strategy that addresses the most common points of failure: standardization and identification.
Here's a quick way to diagnose and solve many common "LIST TO DATA" problems:
The "Identify & Standardize" Quick Fix
Most "LIST TO DATA" problems (e.g., "my count is wrong," "I can't filter by X," "my data looks messy") stem from inconsistencies or missing links within your LIST before it becomes DATA.
The Quick Fix Strategy:
Isolate the Problematic Column/Field: Identify exactly which piece of information (column/field) in your LIST is causing the issue. Is it a date field not sorting correctly? A category field with too many variations? A name field that isn't consistent?
Define the Ideal Standard for That Specific Field: What should that field look like?
Dates: Should it be YYYY-MM-DD?
Categories: Should it be one of a predefined list (e.g., "Active," "Inactive," "Pending")?
Names: Should it be "First Last" or "Last, First"?
Numbers: Should it be purely numerical, no text?
Apply Targeted Standardization/Identification: Use the quickest available tool to force that field into its ideal standard.