The short answer
Blanks, zeros and numeric text differ, and matching names may hide different specifications. Produce an exception list before changing the original stock system, accounts or source sheet.
Try it in three steps
- Prepare a sanitized (with identifying personal or client details removed) practice table with column meanings.
- Check missing fields, duplicate IDs and invalid quantities.
- Manually review abnormal and normal samples.
A practice prompt
Before you start
Copy this into a practice sheet with a header row, or paste text for field practice. These are different reading tests.
Practice material (fictional)
ID,Quantity,Unit
DEMO-01,8,boxes
DEMO-02,,boxes
DEMO-01,3,boxesReplace placeholders in the prompt with this material, or append the material if there are no placeholders. Reading time excludes doing the exercise.
Read the sheet and report headings, row count and unreadable parts before listing rule-based exceptions. Do not edit it or infer accounting rules.What to look for (not a recorded test result)
Report 3 data rows, missing quantity for DEMO-02 and repeated ID DEMO-01. Do not combine quantities into 11 without a merge rule.
If it goes wrong
If merged cells confuse columns, normalize a copy with explicit headers first.
Check your result
Findings point to specific rows and counts reconcile with the source.
References and scope
The links below support the concepts or product navigation. The steps and exercises are our teaching suggestions, not official certification or measured customer outcomes. Product interfaces and availability may change. References checked on 2026-10-17.