Smartsheet Dashboards vs Live Data Connector Integrations

tye.gardner35371
edited 12/09/19 in API & Developers

Hi everyone, 

Has anyone used the live data connector to integrate with another platform such as Qlik or any other? I know that SM now has the dashboard view, but I do not think it is as powerful as other BI platforms. From what I see, the SM dashboard is a very high level overview and does not give the level of detail that I am looking for. Thoughts?  Has anyone integrated? Was it worth it? 

Thanks! 

Comments

  • Hello,

    The Live Data Connector relies on the ODBC platform which has its pros and cons, some of which you've touched on in your comment.

    Pros—

    • Syncs data to powerful visualization tools such as Tableau
    • Available at no charge to current Enterprise accounts
    • ODBC allows connection to multiple apps that use the driver (Excel and other open database platforms that have ODBC support)

    Cons—

    • One-way sync (data doesn't flow back into Smartsheet)
    • If you're not on an Enterprise account, you'll need to upgrade (more info on pricing here: https://www.smartsheet.com/pricing)
    • Since it relies on ODBC, it isn't supported on most online versions of applications (e.g. Tableau online) or on Mac

    One other thing that you might check out is the Microsoft Power BI integration: https://www.smartsheet.com/apps/microsoft-power-bi

  • JLC
    JLC ✭✭✭✭✭✭

    Hi Shaine, can you please clarify which "current Enterprise accounts" this is available to? I am fairly certain our Enterprise account as at that level when you posted this comment, but my colleague and I found out just yesterday that evidently we need yet another upgrade to now access the live data connector. We are finding roadblocks like this on many occasions where we seem to be on the top tier plan, then another one gets rolled out or more services are made available and we then find out we would need to upgrade again to access those services. Any insight you have would be much appreciated! Thanks for your time.

  • Hi Jaye—

    The best way to find out whether you have access to the ODBC driver is by reaching out to your Customer Success Manager (CSM) or Sales rep here at Smartsheet.

    If you're unfamiliar with who those people are, please submit a Support ticket and they can transfer you to the appropriate person.