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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
Native Salesforce dashboards cannot directly incorporate external report data since they’re limited to Salesforce-sourced reports only, preventing comprehensive business intelligence that spans multiple systems.
You’ll learn how to bridge this gap by combining Salesforce data with external sources in unified dashboards that provide complete business insights.
Combine Salesforce and external data sources in unified dashboards using Coefficient
Coefficient bridges the gap between Salesforce and external data by enabling you to import both Salesforce reports and external sources within the same spreadsheet workbook. This provides comprehensive business intelligence that goes far beyond what’s possible with Salesforce-only dashboard components.
How to make it work
Step 1. Import your Salesforce reports using any import method.
Use Coefficient’s “From Existing Reports,” “From Objects & Fields,” or “Custom SOQL Query” methods to import your Salesforce data. This gives you access to all your standard Salesforce reporting data as the foundation for your unified dashboard.
Step 2. Import external data sources into the same workbook.
Add external data from marketing automation platforms, financial systems, industry benchmarks, or any other business systems into separate sheets within the same workbook where your Salesforce data resides.
Step 3. Create unified calculations and visualizations.
Build dashboard metrics that combine Salesforce and external data using formulas that reference both data sources. For example, show how Salesforce pipeline performance compares to external industry benchmarks or how external marketing activities impact Salesforce lead generation.
Step 4. Set up coordinated refresh schedules.
Configure refresh schedules that keep both your Salesforce and external data sources current simultaneously. This ensures your unified dashboard always shows cohesive, up-to-date information across all business systems.
Step 5. Enable Formula Auto Fill Down for dynamic linking.
Turn on Formula Auto Fill Down to ensure your external-to-Salesforce linking formulas automatically extend to new data as both sources update. This maintains dashboard accuracy as your integrated data sources grow and change.
Build comprehensive business intelligence beyond Salesforce
Don’t let Salesforce’s native limitations constrain your business intelligence to a single data source. Start combining Salesforce with external data for the complete business insights your dashboards need.
