How to look up SQL Server stock from an Excel cell

Prepare access and a useful table

Ask the person responsible for your database for the SQL Server instance, database name, authentication method and access to an inventory table or view. Use an account with the read permissions needed for this task.

An example source might contain SKU, Location, Colour, Size, Available and Reserved columns. These are illustrative names: choose the actual fields in your system. The Excel code must match the value stored in the search column.

Save and test the connection

1. Open CellLens Settings → Connections and choose Add. Give the source a clear name, such as Inventory.
2. Choose SQL Server in the connection editor and enter the server, database and authentication details supplied by your administrator.
3. Use Test connection, then save the connection and apply the settings.

Keep certificate validation enabled. A successful connection test confirms server access, but access to the chosen table or view must also be granted. Your computer must be able to reach the server or the required company network.

Create a lookup for the selected SKU

1. Create a named lookup in Simple mode and choose the Inventory connection and the required table or view.
2. Set Search on to the SKU column. Begin with an exact match so that one product code does not also return similar codes.
3. Choose the result columns you need, such as location, size, available quantity and reserved quantity. Save and apply the lookup.
4. Select a known SKU cell in Excel, choose your saved lookup and inspect the returned rows.

One product can legitimately return several rows, for example one per warehouse, size or colour. Keep those identifying columns visible so the quantities remain understandable.

Understand the result and troubleshoot

The screenshot shows a real CellLens interface using fictional stock data. In that example, TESSA74X returns several stock combinations. Your results come from your configured database and depend on its data and permissions.

If there are no matches, compare the cell value with the database field, including spaces and leading zeros. If the query fails, check table access and the connection. Keep the source fields that distinguish rows before treating repeated SKUs as duplicates.

For joins or additional conditions, the complete guide covers Advanced mode and the @value parameter. This workflow reads matching records; it does not reserve stock or submit an order. The results describe the source when the lookup runs, so refresh the lookup when you need a new check.