On Tue, 03 May 2011 14:01:45 -0400, GS wrote:

Well, David, this is a prime example of one of the many problematic
nuances that arise when people use an unstructured part numbering
methodology. You're probably right in that the only way you're going to
be able to do a wks sort this list is to parse out the characters into
separate columns. You might be better off to dump the entire range of
data into an array and sort the array by whatever element represents
the column number the part numbers are listed in.

Since this is going to be a persistent issue with no structured part
number methodology in place, I suggest you find one and renumber
everything so you don't have to use hacks and/or other mickey mouse
workarounds to work with them.<g

I don't mean to offend! I just happen to design structured part
numbering methodolgies for clients and so I'm well aware of the many
negatives related to not having such a methodology in place. I hope
you'll understand, then, if I don't condone what I see as a 'bad idea'!

Couldn't agree more. No offense. The problem actually belongs to a
close friend. He works for a large auto parts manufacturer/supplier
who has bought up other companies and incorporated their parts (and
numbering system) -like the Borg- into their system. Unlike the Borg,
the various numbering systems (and sometimes companies) are nor
completely integrated.

And get this, the Marketing department is in charge of designing new
part numbers. They use the part number to "advertise" new or updated
products. They'll append a letter here, prefix a number there....

Thanks for your thoughts. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't
redesigning any wheels.
THANKS!
David G.