Final answer:
Using Excel's PivotTable, you can count the suppliers who have a purchase amount between $15,000 and $30,000 with a quality level under 5 by grouping purchase amounts and subtotalling by quality levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many suppliers have a purchase amount between $15,000 and $30,000 with a quality level less than 5 using a PivotTable in Excel, you would set up the table with purchase amounts grouped by increments of $15,000, and quality levels as a subcategory. After creating this PivotTable, you would be able to count the number of suppliers that fit the criteria.
This type of data analysis is crucial for understanding different aspects of a supply chain, ensuring that a company like Thompson Industries can make informed decisions regarding their suppliers based on purchase volumes and quality levels.