While Excel Power Query can connect to Salesforce through OData feeds, it has significant limitations compared to specialized solutions like Coefficient for replacing force.com connector functionality. Power Query works for basic scenarios but falls short for comprehensive Salesforce integration.
Here’s an honest comparison of Power Query limitations versus complete force.com connector replacement options.
Power Query limitations for comprehensive Salesforce integration
Power Query only supports objects exposed through OData, missing many custom objects and complex relationships. It’s read-only with no write capabilities, requires manual token management, lacks custom SOQL support, and struggles with multi-level parent-child relationships that force.com connector handled.
How to make it work
Step 1. Assess Power Query’s limited Salesforce access.
Power Query can only access Salesforce objects exposed through OData feeds, which excludes many custom objects and complex field relationships. Check if your required data is available through this limited interface.
Step 2. Handle complex authentication requirements.
Power Query requires manual API token management and periodic reauthorization. You’ll need to manage authentication complexity that force.com connector and modern alternatives handle automatically.
Step 3. Work within read-only limitations.
Power Query cannot update Salesforce records, so you’ll need separate tools for any data writing operations that your force.com connector macros previously handled.
Step 4. Consider Coefficient for complete functionality.
For comprehensive force.com connector replacement, Coefficient provides complete Salesforce access to ALL objects, bi-directional sync capabilities, custom SOQL queries, automated authentication, and native relationship support without technical complexity.
Step 5. Choose based on your specific requirements.
Use Power Query only for simple data extraction from standard objects with read-only requirements. Choose Coefficient for complete force.com connector replacement with full functionality and user-friendly interface.
When Power Query might work versus complete solutions
Power Query works for simple data extraction from standard objects only, read-only reporting requirements, and organizations with existing Power BI infrastructure. However, Coefficient eliminates the technical complexity and maintenance overhead associated with Power Query’s generic data connection approach while providing specialized Salesforce integration.
Get complete Salesforce integration
Don’t settle for limited functionality when you need comprehensive force.com connector replacement. Choose Coefficient for complete Salesforce integration capabilities beyond Power Query’s limitations.