Create items without manual data entry
Manually entering items in Exact Online is time-consuming and error-prone. Item codes, descriptions, units, prices - every field needs to be correct. With Ledger Botje, you can fully automate this process using AI. Simply give a command in natural language to your favourite AI assistant and the item is created directly in Exact Online.
This works with all major AI tools: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Google Gemini, Mistral, Perplexity and Grok. Thanks to the MCP protocol, your AI assistant communicates directly with your Exact Online administration.
Watch the video: adding items with AI
In this video, we demonstrate step by step how to add items to Exact Online via various AI tools using Ledger Botje.
How does it work?
The connection between your AI assistant and Exact Online uses the MCP protocol (Model Context Protocol). This is an open standard that allows AI tools to communicate securely with external systems. Ledger Botje acts as an MCP server and translates your commands into actions in Exact Online.
Creating an item works in three steps:
- You give a command in plain language, for example: "Create a new item with code BOLT-M8 and description Bolt Set M8x40 Stainless Steel."
- The AI interprets your request and calls the correct MCP tool via Ledger Botje.
- The item is created in Exact Online, including all specified fields.
Which AI tools can you use?
Ledger Botje supports all major AI platforms that support the MCP protocol:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI) — the most popular AI assistant, ideal for quick tasks
- Microsoft Copilot — perfect if you already work with Microsoft 365
- Claude (Anthropic) — excels at complex analyses and reporting
- Google Gemini — seamlessly integrated with Google Workspace
- Mistral — European AI with strong multilingual support
- Perplexity — combines search and AI in one interface
- Grok (xAI) — fast and direct, without detours
Example commands to try
Once you have set up the MCP connection, you can start right away. Try these commands:
- "Create a new item with code CABLE-USB-C, description USB-C cable 2 metres, unit pieces."
- "Add item BOX-A4: Shipping box A4 size, sales price 2.50 euros."
- "Create three items for our new cleaning products range."
The AI understands context and can fill in multiple fields at once. You don’t need to specify every field separately - the AI will ask follow-up questions if information is missing.
Benefits of creating items with AI
- Time savings — no more manual entry via the Exact Online interface
- Fewer errors — the AI validates and structures your input
- Bulk processing — create multiple items at once with a single command
- Natural language — no forms, just a command in plain English
- Flexible — works with your favourite AI tool, regardless of platform
Get started today
Want to add items via AI yourself? Set up the connection via the MCP configuration page and start within five minutes. Check the prompt library for more examples and inspiration, or view the plans and pricing to get started.
Where items go wrong
Creating an item is not hard, but it is unforgiving: a wrong unit, a missing item group or a VAT code that does not fit, and you find out at the first order or the first return.
That makes this a good example of why you should read the confirmation. The assistant reports back what was recorded after creating it; that is the moment to check, not next week in a report.
Several items at once
The biggest time saving is not with one item but with a series. If a supplier sends a list of new items, you can pass it on in plain language instead of typing them one by one.
Do that in blocks of a handful though, and check each block before continuing. An error in a series of fifty items costs more time to repair than the entry would have cost.
What to know beforehand
- Item group and unit. Know which ones exist before you start; do not invent them on the spot.
- VAT code. This is the field with the largest consequences when it is wrong.
- Stock-managed or not. That determines whether the item counts in your stock administration and is awkward to change later.
- Batch or serial registration. Also a choice made at creation.
Ask the assistant to confirm these fields explicitly before the item is created. That costs one extra line and prevents a correction.
Where to go next
Write access is off by default; only enable it once you have a week of experience with read questions. See the security page for how that works, and the inventory management page for what else is possible.