Predictive text

Here is the example. First screenshot is the setup. Second is with it done.

Table 1 is one of the tables that needs supplier names available

Table 2 is the table of supplier names. It has 50 rows, most of which are blank right now.

Formula in Table 1::A2 =Table 2::A2&""

Fill that formula down to row 50 (same row as bottom of Table 2)

Hide rows 2-50

If you add more suppliers to Table 2 they will be available to all tables that are set up like Table 1 is.

You can sort the list of suppliers, no problem.

You cannot sort Table 1 the regular way but you can sort it using the Organize sidebar. You need to select rows 51 to the bottom of table and sort only the selected rows.

That feature uses the values already in the column. Two ideas:

If you have a table of supplier names, you can copy/paste them or use formulas to put those names into the first bunch of rows of each table, then hide those rows. This will make the names available in the list. I do not know if this will affect any of your formulas or anything else you are doing. I can post an example later.

If you don't have too many supplier names, you can turn the list into a popup. Create a table of supplier names. Select all those names and create a pop up menu from them, probably with "start with blank" selected. Copy/Paste the popup to all cells that need a supplier name. Use the popup to select the supplier. If you add more suppliers, you will have to make a new popup that includes them and copy/paste it to your new tables and un-filled-in rows, replacing the older popup. If you have to do this much, a popup is probably not practical for you.