I was unable to answer this query using the power of google...
therefore I present my dilemma.
---the stuff I've got working---
step 1. user enters an ID into a cell. if this ID is numeric, then in
3 adjacent cells, combo boxes appear with up to 20 different options
in each.

step 2. user selects various options from these combo boxes.

step 3. users then enters more IDs into cells. step 1&2 repeat until
the user has completed his adjustments.

----

step 4. user clicks button (get data) and initiates the following
(currently theoretical) procedure

a. program loops through the user IDs. taking one at a time.