Spreadsheet Data Entry
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Food service and restaurants

Collect Data for Recipe Costing

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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More in this group

Track Restaurant Ingredient Stock

When ingredients are received, used, or counted, I want to record the item, quantity, date, and storage location from my phone so that I can monitor stock and ingredient usage in a spreadsheet.

Food Waste and Write-Off Log

When an ingredient spoils, is spilled, or is written off after preparation, I want to select the item, quantity, and reason from my phone so that I can see actual losses and include them in purchasing and food cost calculations.

Receive Food with Prices and Expiry Dates

When a supplier delivers food, I want to record the item, quantity, price, supplier, and expiry date from my phone so that I can monitor purchase prices, batches, and receiving quality.

Situation

When an ingredient price or recipe changes, I want to record the current price, quantity, and yield from my phone quickly so that the spreadsheet recalculates recipe cost and menu margins.

Spreadsheet Data Entry vs Alternative Ways to Solve This

Alternative Limitations Why SDE is better
Cost calculations in separate files and invoices
Current prices must be found manually, and recipe changes do not always reach every calculation
SDE lets you add new prices, usage standards, and ingredient yields as separate records without re-entering data; it uses number fields, ingredient lists, and submission to a calculation spreadsheet.
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 “Collect Data for Recipe Costing” use case.
Recipe spreadsheet edited from a phone
Individual price and standard updates are inconvenient, and formulas or recipe structure can be changed accidentally
SDE collects all required values in one guided form and immediately creates a structured row for the “Collect Data for Recipe Costing” use case.
Food cost software or restaurant ERP
Provides comprehensive calculations but requires full recipe, inventory, and purchasing setup
SDE can be launched without a full implementation: create a form, connect Google Sheets, and use only the fields required for the “Collect Data for Recipe Costing” 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: Recipe Costing

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

COST CALCULATIONS USE CURRENT DATA

Update prices and usage standards through a prepared form.

  • changes do not have to be found in invoices
  • recipes are recalculated in the spreadsheet
  • low-margin dishes are easier to identify

FAQ

Which fields are needed for costing?

Ingredient, supplier, price, package weight, recipe quantity, yield, and date.

Does SDE calculate the cost of a dish?

No. SDE collects source data, and Google Sheets performs the calculations.

How do I update an ingredient price?

Submit a new record with the actual price and date.

Can I track prepared components?

Yes. Add separate records or sheets for base recipes and prep items.

How do I see a margin change?

Connect cost to the selling price and calculate the difference with a formula.

Get started

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