Forum Discussion
How Do I Avoid Alphabetical Sorting?
You need a numeric or alphabetic column that corresponds to that original sort order, then use that to sort.
RBear I'm not sure what the difficulty is. If you want a non-alphanumeric sort order, provide another column that has that order. Then under Modeling, select Sort By Another Column and choose the sort order column. So in your example, you would create two columns:
Animal SortOrder
Dog 1
Elephant 3
Horse 2
I don't know if that's what you're refering to as unnecessary gymnastics but I can't think of any simpler alternative.
If you want a non-alphanumeric sort order, provide another column that has that order. Then under Modeling, select Sort By Another Column and choose the sort order column. So in your example, you would create two columns:
Animal SortOrder
Dog 1
Elephant 3
Horse 2
Yes, this works, but it entails more than you let on - in a model that may be complicated enough already, you have to add a column, add it to the table in the report, make sure you click "Don't Summarize" and then go through the the fun process of hiding it. Of course, you should remember to document the whole process for the benefit of those who are going to maintain the model after you.
I don't know if that's what you're refering to as unnecessary gymnastics but I can't think of any simpler alternative.
A simpler alternative would be to just make sorting optional - as in adding "Don't Sort" just under "Don't Summarize"...