Veritome vs a spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is where most EU AI Act compliance starts — and where it quietly fails. It can’t classify against the law, can’t generate Annex IV files, can’t prove an evidence trail, and never tells you when a review is due.
A spreadsheet is free and familiar, and fine for a first inventory. But it can’t classify systems against Annex III logic, won’t produce audit-preparation documents, has no verifiable evidence trail, and goes stale the moment you stop maintaining it. Veritome turns that static list into a living, traceable compliance system.
| Veritome | Spreadsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, then €49/mo | Free |
| Classifies against the Act | Branching wizard to the article | Manual interpretation |
| Maps obligations automatically | Yes — by role & risk tier | You research each one |
| Generates Annex IV / FRIA / DoC | Yes | No |
| Verifiable evidence trail | Hash-sealed, public verify URL | Editable cells, no proof |
| Tells you when a review is due | Automated reminders | You have to remember |
| Survives staff turnover | Auditable system of record | Lives on one laptop |
| AI literacy tracking (Art. 4) | Built in | No |
Where Veritome wins
- Classification that follows the law, not guesswork
- Documents that assemble themselves and seal
- Reminders so nothing expires unnoticed
- One source of truth your auditor can trust
- Evidence a regulator can verify without an account
Where a spreadsheet wins
- Free and instantly familiar
- Fine for a first, rough inventory of AI tools
- No new tool to learn for a one-off list
Who should choose which
Choose Veritome if…
You actually have to be — and prove you are — compliant. A spreadsheet can’t produce the documents or the evidence trail an auditor or enterprise buyer will ask for.
Stay on a spreadsheet if…
You just want a quick first list of which tools use AI and have no near-term audit, documentation, or procurement pressure. (Our free Excel tracker is a good start — then graduate.)
FAQ
Can’t I just use your free Excel tracker?
Absolutely — it’s a great way to begin. It maps the timeline and obligations, but it can’t classify systems for you, generate Annex IV documents, or seal evidence. When that matters, the free Veritome tier is the next step.
What’s the real risk of staying on a spreadsheet?
No verifiable evidence and no review reminders. Under a regulation with fines up to €35M or 7% of turnover, “we had it in a spreadsheet” is not a defence.
Turn your list into a living compliance system.
Import your AI tools, classify the first one free, in minutes.
Last reviewed: 22 June 2026. ← All comparisons
Illustrative comparison for marketing purposes; completion in Veritome is a working method, not a guarantee of legal compliance — confirm with counsel.