TLDRs;
- DingTalk has released a free AI spreadsheet aimed at automating business tasks and simplifying data management.
- The tool allows users to create formulas and charts using natural language instead of traditional syntax.
- Each row can act like a document, helping companies handle both structured and unstructured data in one place.
- Workflow automation features enable the spreadsheet to perform up to 1,000 tasks per hour with minimal oversight.
Alibaba’s enterprise platform DingTalk has launched a free AI-powered spreadsheet that promises to modernize how businesses manage and interact with data.
The rollout targets organizations looking to reduce repetitive tasks and simplify complex operations using intelligent automation and natural language tools.
The new spreadsheet tool is designed to eliminate the need for traditional formulas and manual data handling by introducing AI-based field processing and smart automation. Businesses can now extract, classify, and process information with minimal effort using over 80 pre-built templates that guide data workflows. According to DingTalk, the system can handle up to 1,000 tasks per hour through configurable commands, making it well-suited for high-volume operational environments.
Talk to your data
One of the most striking features is the ability to use plain language to create formulas and generate professional-grade charts. This lowers the barrier for non-technical users, enabling anyone to perform sophisticated data analysis without knowing syntax or programming.
This move marks a broader industry trend where spreadsheet software evolves into more intuitive and interactive systems. DingTalk’s tool is particularly geared toward helping small to mid-sized businesses that rely heavily on spreadsheets but lack the technical skills to unlock their full potential. By allowing users to “talk” to the spreadsheet in natural terms, it redefines how data is queried, visualized, and acted upon.
Structured meets flexible
DingTalk’s innovation goes beyond automation and ease of use. Each spreadsheet row can act like a standalone document, enabling users to work with structured data alongside unstructured content such as text, images, or embedded files. This hybrid approach addresses a longstanding gap in enterprise tools, where structured and unstructured data have traditionally been handled in separate systems.
This feature responds to the reality that a significant majority of business data, often estimated at over 80 percent, remains unstructured. By blurring the lines between spreadsheet and document, DingTalk’s new tool opens the door to more comprehensive reporting and seamless information management in one interface.
Workflows on autopilot
Another standout capability is the spreadsheet’s built-in automation triggers. Users can set conditions and actions that allow the system to operate autonomously, initiating specific responses when certain data thresholds are met. This removes the need for constant human oversight and helps reduce human error in repetitive tasks.
Such workflow automation supports a growing business imperative of shifting from reactive operations toward proactive, data-driven systems. As companies look for smarter ways to stay competitive, AI-powered tools like this one can serve as a bridge to more efficient, scalable operations.
DingTalk’s ability to perform thousands of data imports per hour showcases the potential of algorithmic labor in day-to-day business processes.
The AI spreadsheet is now available at no cost to users who update to the latest version of the DingTalk app. While the offering is expected to benefit teams of all sizes, Alibaba is clearly positioning it as a foundational tool for businesses hoping to embrace digital transformation without the steep learning curve often associated with advanced analytics platforms.
