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AI vs Excel for inventory: when the spreadsheet stops working

By mise · Updated September 29, 2026

Quick answer: Excel is fine for a small, stable product list counted by one person. It breaks when products change often, several people count, or you need alerts and history. An AI inventory app identifies products from a barcode or photo, keeps every count and compares them for you. mise has a 7-day free trial if you want to compare.

Most businesses don't leave Excel because it's bad. They leave because the spreadsheet only works while one careful person keeps it alive.

ExcelAI inventory app
Adding productsTyped by handScan or photo; AI fills in details
CountingClipboard, then re-typeScan and enter quantity
Several people countingCopies and version conflictsOne shared count
History and comparisonManual formulasEvery count saved and compared
Par level alertsNoneBuilt in
CostFreeUS$33/month after 7 free days

How mise's AI works

  1. Scan the barcode with your phone camera, or snap a photo of the label if there's no barcode.
  2. mise's AI finds the product instantly. If it isn't in the database, it looks it up on the web and identifies it.
  3. The product comes up categorized: name, brand, category, size, photo and a reference price.
  4. You just enter the quantity. On hand, shrinkage and cost work themselves out.
Try mise's AI on your inventory

Scan the barcode or snap a photo: mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it. 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK).

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Frequently asked questions

Is Excel good enough for inventory?

For a small, stable list counted by one person, yes. With many SKUs, several counters or a need for alerts, it gets slow and error-prone.

Can I export from the app to Excel?

Yes, counts and inventory export to Excel and PDF.

Can I import my spreadsheet?

Yes, or just do your first count by scanning and the list builds itself.

How much does it cost?

A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK), with unlimited products and counts.