Structure for a worksheet with many columns

Hello,

I am fairly new to Smartsheet. I am trying to create a worksheet for projects (1 row per project). My pain point is that I have too many columns for each project (info, timelines, vendors, contacts). My initial thought is to create separate sheets for each of the categories (master list, info, milestones, vendors, contacts), and link all the sheets based on the project ID. that works well so far. when I create a cross-sheet report, the list of projects is repeated since the project ID is available in each sheet. is there a way to ensure the list doesn't repeat? should I design this differently?

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Accepted answers

Paul Newcome

I would suggest keeping all of the data on a single sheet if possible. You can then use row reports to break down the views into the separated column sets as needed.

All comments

Paul Newcome

I would suggest keeping all of the data on a single sheet if possible. You can then use row reports to break down the views into the separated column sets as needed.

ayserk56

Sounds good. Thank you for your reply.

Paul Newcome

Happy to help. 👍️

Adrian Mandile CHESS

Hi @ayserk56,

I agree with Paul to have all the information about one project available on the one sheet. The thing that you could do if you have a lot of repeated information (for contacts, etc.) is to 'normalise' that data into another 'Organisations Register' (vendors, customer companies) and/or 'Contacts Register' (individuals linked to those companies), then use these registers as reference data using lookup formulas, or linked columns in your main 'Projects Register'.

This will improve data accuracy and reduce data re-entry (and therefore the potential for errors) for repeat customers or project owners.

You can also use reports to streamline/enter key input data to the Project Register for more specific groups of columns - key dates, vendor details, delivery requirements. notes, statuses, etc.

Mickael Osswald

Use only one sheet but keep the limitations in mind:

Limitations

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