Cloud-based reporting for text reports, NOT data visualization?

James Keuning · 05/21/22

I currently use the live data connector and MS Access to report Smartsheet data. Querying, grouping, filtering, sorting… it’s all great. But it requires that I distribute my MS Access front-end to every user and I need to install the connector on their workstation.

Is there a cloud-based platform that connects natively to Smartsheet? I use Tableau for analytics, and that connection is great. I’m looking for something that can handle text-based reporting.

I’ll also add that Access is great bc of the VBA component - I can use Smartsheet contact lists and calendars to send emails and make appointments, and I don’t expect this functionality to be available in the cloud, but with O365, maybe I’m wrong!

Julio S. · 05/28/22

Hi @James Keuning ,

The ODBC connector is a desktop product, so in order to work with 3rd party products, these will need installing. Consequently, cloud services can't be integrated to be used with it.

When you have a moment, please let our Product team know about your feedback by filling in this form, here. Thank you!

As a possible alternative, could Smartsheet Dashboards and Reports be an option to roll up and display data and make it accessible for your users directly in Smartsheet? Accessing these wouldn't require licenses.

I hope that this can be of help.

Cheers!

Julio

James Keuning · 06/09/22

The ODBC connector is desktop, but there are plenty of API integrations to other platforms.

Smartsheet's reporting capability is extremely weak when it comes to configuring a layout which is easy to organize and read. Especially considering the use of hierarchy in sheets is completely unavailable in reports. Not to mention poor header and footer support among many other shortcomings.

Julio S. · 06/11/22

Hi @James Keuning,

Thanks for the feedback. For the time being these would be options I could suggest, if none of them are suitable for your needs, and you haven't done already you can share your feedback with our Product team by filling in this form, here.

Alternatively, Smartsheet API documentation is available here which could be of help building your own customized solution or you may find an already available integration in Zapier that could be of use.

Cheers!

Julio

Leo Anand Sundararaj · 10/12/22