Tip #298 - How to Sort Using Multiple Columns

SmartAdvocate allows you to sort using multiple columns for items displayed on a grid, similarly to how you would sort in Excel. This functionality is available on most pages in the system where data/information is displayed in a grid format (e.g., on the Notes Page, Documents Page, etc.)

Below is an example of the My Cases Dashboard. It shows a list of all the open cases that are assigned to me. The dashboard automatically sorts the cases in numerical order by case number. The My Cases Dashboard is accessed by going to Dashboards > My Cases.

Let’s say that I would prefer to have the list sorted by Case Type and then by Case Sub-Type. That way, I could have all my Auto Accident cases listed together, as well as all the Rear End collision cases grouped together and the Left Turn cases grouped together. Additionally, I want all my Actos cases listed together, then grouped by Bladder Cancer, Liver Damage, etc. 

To sort by multiple levels, first click the column heading for the main sorting. In our example above, we would first click the Case Type column heading. This would sort our list by Case Type in alphabetical order.

Open

Next, we want to further sort the list by Case Sub-Types. To do this, simply hold down the Shift Key, then click the Case Sub-Types column heading. Now, our list will have all cases of a specific type listed together and then further sorted by the Case Sub-Types.

We will next add sorting by Case Status. We will hold down the Shift Key and then click the Case Status Column.

For additional sorting by a fourth, fifth, sixth level, etc., simply hold down the Shift Key and click the respective column(s) in order.

This “multi-level sorting” can be used on all pages with grids. Examples are: Notes, Documents, Emails, Medical Providers, Liens and Disbursements pages, and on Dashboards such as My Cases, Tasks, Intake Performance and Overdue.