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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.”
New lookup fields break existing Salesforce reports because they change object relationships, field accessibility, and filter dependencies within the report type configuration. These structural changes create compatibility issues that can render your carefully built reports useless.
Here’s how to avoid these breaking changes entirely and build more flexible reports that won’t fail when your Salesforce schema evolves.
Access lookup field data without report type limitations using Coefficient
Coefficient bypasses Salesforce’s rigid report type structure by connecting directly to your objects through the REST API. Instead of modifying report types and risking breaking changes, you can import data from standard and custom objects simultaneously, creating flexible relationships that adapt to schema changes.
How to make it work
Step 1. Connect to your Salesforce objects directly.
Open Coefficient in your spreadsheet and select “From Objects & Fields” instead of importing from existing reports. This method accesses your source objects directly, eliminating dependency on report type configurations that might change.
Step 2. Select your primary object and lookup fields.
Choose your main object (like a custom object) and include the new lookup field in your field selection. Coefficient automatically recognizes all available fields, including newly added lookup fields, without requiring report type modifications.
Step 3. Pull related object data through the lookup relationship.
Add fields from the related object (like Account fields through an Account lookup) by selecting them from the related object’s field list. This creates a custom join that’s more flexible than Salesforce’s predefined report type relationships.
Step 4. Apply filters using AND/OR logic.
Set up filtering criteria that match your original report requirements. Use Coefficient’s dynamic filtering capabilities to point filters to spreadsheet cells, giving you more control than static Salesforce report filters.
Step 5. Set up automated refresh schedules.
Configure hourly, daily, or weekly refresh schedules to keep your data current. Your reports will continue working regardless of future Salesforce report type changes.
Build reports that survive schema changes
This approach transforms potential breaking changes into seamless updates. Your reports remain functional while gaining advanced spreadsheet capabilities for calculations and visualizations that Salesforce can’t match. Start building more resilient reports today.
