Exact recently introduced its own AI Assistant inside Exact Online. At the same time, with Ledger Botje you can connect your administration to an external AI. What is the difference, and which suits you? An honest comparison — because they are not mutually exclusive competitors, but two approaches that complement each other nicely.
What is Exact Online AI Assistant?
Exact Online AI Assistant is the built-in assistant of Exact Online. It lives inside the Exact environment and helps you there: navigating, finding functions and answering simple questions without leaving the system. You do not have to install or connect anything — it is included.
What is Ledger Botje?
Ledger Botje is a connection that unlocks your Exact Online data to the AI assistant of your choice. Via the open MCP standard you talk to your administration directly from ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot or Gemini — also outside Exact, and combined with other tools and documents. You query your figures, build analyses and can (if you enable it) even post entries and create orders.
The comparison
| Criterion | Exact Online AI Assistant | Ledger Botje |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Inside Exact Online | In your own AI assistant |
| Installation/connection | None, built in | One-time connection via OAuth |
| Navigation help in Exact | Yes, strong | Not applicable |
| Depth of data analysis | Basic, within Exact | Deep, over large datasets |
| Creating reports and documents | Limited | Yes, in your AI assistant |
| Platform choice | Fixed (Exact) | ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini … |
| Combining with other tools | No | Yes, all in your AI environment |
| Multi-administration | Per environment | Switch between administrations |
| Writing (entries/orders) | Limited | Optional, enabled per user |
When do you choose Exact Online AI Assistant?
Do you mainly work inside Exact Online and want to find your way faster there, locate functions or ask quick questions without connecting anything? Then Exact Online AI Assistant is a pleasant, frictionless choice. It is there immediately and you do not have to set anything up.
When do you choose Ledger Botje?
Do you want to analyse your administration more deeply, have reports and documents created, combine your figures with other tools, or simply use your favourite AI assistant instead of a fixed one? Then Ledger Botje is the choice. You query large datasets in plain language and are not tied to one platform. Also read generating reports from Exact Online with AI.
Can you use both?
Certainly. They do not conflict. Many users deploy Exact Online AI Assistant for help inside Exact, and Ledger Botje for deeper analyses and workflows in their own AI assistant. That way you get the best of both: navigation ease within Exact and powerful analysis outside it.
The core of the difference
Exact Online AI Assistant helps you inside Exact Online. Ledger Botje brings your Exact Online data to the AI assistant where you already work — with the freedom to switch platforms and combine with all your other tools. One is a guide within the system, the other a bridge to your own AI.
Try it yourself
The best way to experience the difference is to connect your administration and ask your first question. The steps are in the MCP connection guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ledger Botje and Exact Online AI Assistant?
Exact Online AI Assistant is built into Exact Online. Ledger Botje connects your Exact Online data to an external AI of your choice, so you can also query your administration outside Exact and combine it with other tools.
Can I use both Ledger Botje and Exact Online AI Assistant?
Yes. They do not conflict and actually complement each other.
Which AI assistants does Ledger Botje support?
Among others ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity and Grok.
Curious what an external AI connection does for you? Try Ledger Botje free for 14 days and discover the difference.