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Affordable inventory management for small businesses

Monitor Minimum Stock Levels and Reorder

Spreadsheet Data Entry helps you enter data into spreadsheets quickly from your phone: create forms, fill in fields, scan QR codes and barcodes, add photos, and save records to Google Sheets or locally.

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Situation

When stock levels fall, I want to collect receipt, usage, and count data from my phone so that the spreadsheet shows items below the minimum level that need to be reordered.

Spreadsheet Data Entry vs Alternative Ways to Solve This

Alternative Limitations Why SDE is better
Manual reorder list
The list becomes outdated quickly and depends on when an employee last checked stock
SDE lets you collect receipts, usage, and counts through simple forms so the spreadsheet can calculate shortages without re-entering data; it uses multiple forms, a consistent data structure, and submission to Google Sheets.
Direct entry in Excel or Google Sheets from a phone
On a small screen it is difficult to find the correct row and column, and formulas, previous records, or the spreadsheet structure can be changed accidentally
SDE separates data entry from spreadsheet editing: the user sees only the required fields, and values are placed automatically in the columns configured for the “Monitor Minimum Stock Levels and Reorder” use case.
Separate minimum-stock spreadsheet
Without regular receipt, usage, and count entries, the spreadsheet does not reflect the actual situation
SDE collects all required values in one guided form and immediately creates a structured row for the “Monitor Minimum Stock Levels and Reorder” use case.
ERP, WMS, or purchasing management system
Automates more processes but requires full inventory accounting and configured reference data
SDE can be launched without a full implementation: create a form, connect Google Sheets, and use only the fields required for the “Monitor Minimum Stock Levels and Reorder” use case.

How to Set Up SDE with Google Sheets

1

Install the app and sign in with Google

Download SDE, sign in with Google, and grant access to your Google account so the app can work with your Google Sheets.

  1. Install SDE on your smartphone.
  2. Open the app.
  3. Sign in or create an account with Google.
  4. Open Settings.
  5. Connect the Google account you want to use with Google Sheets.
  6. Confirm access.

The app is ready to work with Google Sheets.

2

Create a spreadsheet and connect a form

Prepare a Google Sheet and create a new SDE form that will send data to the required worksheet.

  1. Create a Google Sheet.
  2. Add a worksheet for collecting data.
  3. Tap “Create form” in SDE.
  4. Enter the form name.
  5. Select Google Sheets as the storage destination.
  6. Choose the required spreadsheet and worksheet with the assistant, or paste the link manually.

The form is connected to Google Sheets and ready for field configuration.

3

Add form fields and map them to spreadsheet columns

Configure the fields users will complete on their phones and specify which Google Sheets column should store each value.

  1. Open the form field editor.
  2. Add the required fields, such as date, barcode, item name, quantity, and location.
  3. Select the appropriate data type for every field.
  4. Specify the destination column for each field: A, B, C, and so on.
  5. Mark required fields when needed.
  6. Save the form.

The form is fully configured and ready for data entry.

4

Open the form and send data to the spreadsheet

Open the completed form, fill it in on your phone, and send the first record. The data will appear in Google Sheets immediately.

  1. Open the saved form.
  2. Complete the fields or scan a code.
  3. Tap “Submit”.
  4. Wait for the successful submission confirmation.
  5. Open Google Sheets and check the new data row.

The data was submitted successfully and appeared in the spreadsheet.

Template

Ready-to-use Google Sheets template: Minimum Stock

Copy the ready-made spreadsheet to your Google Drive, connect it to an SDE form, and start collecting data from your phone. The template already includes the required columns, formulas (where needed), filters, and a sample row.

Open template

Result

SHORTAGES ARE VISIBLE IN ADVANCE

Collect transactions from your phone while Google Sheets calculates balances and reorder points.

  • stock levels update from transactions
  • items below the minimum are highlighted automatically
  • the purchase list is created in one spreadsheet

FAQ

Does SDE calculate minimum stock levels?

No. SDE collects data, while Google Sheets calculates the current balance and reorder point.

Which forms are needed for this setup?

Receipt, Usage, and Inventory count forms are commonly used.

Which fields are required for transactions?

Item code or name, transaction type, quantity, date, and employee.

How do I highlight items that need to be reordered?

Add a minimum stock column and conditional formatting for current stock below the threshold.

Can multiple forms write to one spreadsheet?

Yes. Forms can send data to the required sheets within one Google Sheet.

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