"Non-Numeric" Information within PivotTable "Data" Pane

PivotTable Team:

Any tricks of the trade to plot "non-numeric" data within a PivotTable's data pane?  In this way, the data pane could report write on both non-numeric and numeric data without having to architect the data in a redundant way, i.e. making all qualititative data as columns.  Essentially, in the "Value Field Settings" dialogue, a user could select both "Sum" and "Text".  Or something to this effect.

Calculated fields/Items could probably be used to trick the table, but was hoping for a more elegant method.  Perhaps there are add-ins that extend the value field settings dialogue options?

Best.

N.

N,

I have to admit, my first response to you is 'huh?'

I'm not entirely sure I understand what you're looking for.  Could you post an example of the data, and how you'd like it to look in the pivot table?

David B.

Thanks David for getting back.  I inserted an image to help illustrate the problem.  You'll note the supporting data table underneath the PivotTable .  The "data" file contains both numeric and values (ticker symbol).  Ideally, I'd like to report write within the Pivot data pane with mixed values (text and numeric).  The field settings box would simply allow for both formats to be included.  This is less about evaluating and summarizing numeric data, and more about "report writing" and leveraging the pivot flexibility to accomplish that.  I've searched for add-ins that can do this and have not been successful.  A fairly simple report related concept. 

Thanks again. Nate.

Nate,

I tried to respond during the site outage, but obviously wasn't able to.  Sorry for the delay.

I guess the issue is that I almost never use pivot tables as a front end.  I always create a report that draws from them, which leads to a very different set of needs and resolves what you are talking about in different ways (Lookup tables etc.)  In my positions, I've been expected to analyze the data myself and provide an 'answer', rather than providing my audience with the ability to manipulate the data.

That's really of no use whatsoever to you.  Mostly it is my way of saying 'I have no idea'. :)

David B.

Sorry Alexis,

There is no way (that I know of) to included textual values in the data area of a PivotTable.  Furthermore, any Calculated Field or Calculated Item must return a numeric value.

Mike Alexander:

Sorry Alexis,

There is no way (that I know of) to included textual values in the data area of a PivotTable.  Furthermore, any Calculated Field or Calculated Item must return a numeric value.

Shane Devenshire demoed a way to do this using custom number formats, but it was so convoluted it was bordering on the ridiculous (IMO).

Bob Phillips:

Shane Devenshire demoed a way to do this using custom number formats, but it was so convoluted it was bordering on the ridiculous (IMO).

 Yeah, I remember seeing that.  I went bug-eyed a few steps in. 

Shane does try hard to help the posters.  You see how lazy my answer was.

Thanks for getting back; appreciate it.  A nice opening for someone to build an excel add-in that can handle and present text values in this way.

Best.