Write highlight rules for items that need reordering

About this exercise

You want your Inventory sheet (A2:F200) to color whole rows red when stock is at or below the reorder point, and yellow when it's within 5 units above it, but discontinued items must never be colored. Ask for exactly 3 numbered lines: Red: with its custom formula, Yellow: with its custom formula, and Apply to: with the range. Plain text, under 70 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Forgetting discontinued items. The AI's rule turns discontinued rows red, the same mistake that got rope toys reordered. Try: Add: "Never color rows where Status is Discontinued."
• Leaving the yellow band vague. The AI picks its own warning range, like 20% above. Try: Add: "Yellow: within 5 units above the reorder point."
• Coloring one cell, not the row. Without $ on the columns, the rule only works in one column. Try: Add: "Color whole rows; lock columns with $."
• Getting menu steps. The AI explains where to click instead of giving the rules. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 lines: Red:, Yellow:, Apply to:. Plain text."

What a strong prompt includes

• Excludes discontinued items
• Defines the yellow band
• Colors whole rows
• Names the 3 lines
• Asks for plain text

Practice this now ↑

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