So far, AI hasn’t truly revolutionized the landscape. Check out this video featuring an AI spreadsheet tool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tl-oxY-DAE.
And here’s another one discussing AI in Excel and graphing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-cFv2DvEqE.
While these tools are somewhat useful, they largely replicate functions that Excel already offers. The main difference is now you have to learn how to enter commands as prompts.
These resources can be beneficial for beginners who are just getting familiar with Excel and spreadsheet functions. However, I find a limitation: as someone who already knows Excel well, I can quickly automate tasks in just a few minutes using copy and paste. It took time to reach that level of efficiency, and now I can handle spreadsheets with ease.
What I really want is AI that performs real analysis. I’d like to see AI handle variance analysis, streamline data manipulation and cleaning, and simplify account reconciliations. Where is that innovation?
One response
You raise some valid points about the current capabilities of AI tools in the context of spreadsheet applications like Excel. While it’s true that many AI features feel like enhancements to existing functionalities rather than ground-breaking innovations, it’s important to remember that technology is often iterative.
You’re right that traditional Excel users can perform tasks quickly and efficiently thanks to their experience with the software. The AI tools certainly have a learning curve, and for seasoned users, those extra steps may seem cumbersome compared to their established workflows. However, for novices or those less familiar with Excel, the AI can serve as a valuable gateway to understanding and utilizing data analysis tools.
As for your desire for more robust AI-driven analysis, many developers and companies are actively working on these capabilities. There are already advanced AI solutions that perform deeper analyses, including variance analysis and data cleaning, but they may not be fully integrated into tools like Excel yet. The landscape of AI is rapidly evolving, and while current tools might feel limited, we’re likely to see more sophisticated applications emerge that can handle complex tasks with greater efficiency.
In the meantime, your voice and feedback are crucial. As users express the need for more practical applications, developers will be encouraged to focus on creating AI that truly transforms data analysis rather than just replicating existing features.