Pivot Database with 3 Dimensions

[brodskive]

I have been trying to setup a database for activity at a workplace. The database is suppose to have columns for activity (ID-number), people involved in it and equipment used. The problem is that the number of people involved in an activity can vary along with the equipment used. Basically this means a third dimension (a dynamic one) to the excel-table, or a list in a cell if you like..
E.g.:
|Activity|____|______User________|Equipment|
|_#0001_|___|______user1________|_a, b, c, d_|
|_#0002_|___|_user1, user2, user3_|____b, f___|

I want to be able to track statistics for each individual user and each type of equipment independently of groups using pivot tables. Is it possible to make a database like this in excel without too much hassle?

 

[sr12345]

By placing the user(s) before the equipment, you are implying a hierarchical relationship between them that does not actually exist.

Instead, in your data table, can you add a column and use a CONCATENATE function to combine your user entry and equipment entry into one cell, and then use that concatenated column as the second value in your pivot table?

 

[brodskive]

Thanks for your reply! I'm not sure if I follow what you say about hierarchy.. equipment is independent of the user(s), it is only connected to the certain activity. In other words equipment and users are independent variables that are connected to one activity. Can cells created by the CONCATENATE function be recognized as multiple items in one cell by pivot tables?