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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.”
While displaying non- Salesforce data in Lightning dashboards without creating custom objects has limited options, the custom object approach often provides the best user experience.
External Objects and embedded components have significant limitations compared to native Salesforce integration. Here’s what works and what doesn’t.
Why custom objects provide the best solution despite the requirement
While Coefficient does require custom objects for data storage, it significantly simplifies this process with automatic custom object creation, pre-configured field mappings, and minimal administrative overhead.
Limitations of non-custom object approaches
External Objects can’t participate in joined reports.
External Objects don’t support grouping functions, joined reports with other Salesforce objects, or complex filtering that makes reporting meaningful.
Embedded components don’t integrate with Salesforce reporting.
Lightning Web Components that embed external dashboards can’t interact with Salesforce’s native reporting tools or participate in unified dashboard experiences.
Limited filtering and interaction capabilities.
Non-custom object approaches provide minimal filtering options and can’t leverage Salesforce’s workflow automation or formula field capabilities.
How to make it work with simplified custom objects
Step 1. Let Coefficient handle custom object creation automatically.
Connect your external data sources and let Coefficient automatically create the necessary custom objects and field mappings without manual configuration.
Step 2. Configure minimal administrative overhead.
Use pre-configured field mappings for common data types that require minimal ongoing management compared to manual custom object setup.
Step 3. Enable full Lightning dashboard integration.
Build dashboard components using the imported data with complete Salesforce reporting capabilities, including grouping, formulas, and joins with existing Salesforce objects.
Step 4. Implement automated data refresh.
Set up scheduled imports to keep your external data current without manual intervention, providing better reliability than External Object connections.
Get the best of both worlds
The custom object approach with Coefficient provides the best user experience and functionality despite the initial object creation requirement, offering full Salesforce reporting capabilities that other methods can’t match. Start building your integrated external data dashboards today.
