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Reconcile a physical asset count to the register when the counts match

  • For Accountants
  • You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're reconciling the fixed asset register to a physical count. Write a prompt for plain text with lines starting "Register count:", "Found:", "Not found:", "Not on register:" and "Note:". Each line gives the number and the specific items with values. The Note says in one sentence if the counts agree but the items do not. Don't guess where a missing item went. Under 80 words. No bullets or numbering. Say "not found"; never use the words missing, lost or stolen.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Concluding nothing is wrong. The AI sees 12 and 12 and says the register agrees. Try: Add: "Note: the counts agree but the items do not."
  • Guessing where the laptop went. The AI repeats that it may have been taken home. Try: Add: "Do not guess where the laptop went."
  • Missing items and values. The AI says 'one item missing and one extra'. Try: Say: "Name the specific items with values."
  • Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the five lines
  • Names the items
  • Notes the matching counts
  • Bans guesses
  • Caps length

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