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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.”
Salesforce’s Report Builder becomes confusing for end users when custom report types include optional relationship paths, with users struggling to understand blank fields and differentiate between relationship types.
While you can’t directly improve the native Report Builder experience, here’s how to create better data access for your users.
Create simplified data interfaces for better user experience using Coefficient
CoefficientSalesforceoffers mixed benefits for improving the report builder experience. While it doesn’t provide a native report builder interface, it can simplify data access for technical users who can set up sophisticated data imports and create user-friendly spreadsheet interfaces that are much more intuitive than complexreports.
How to make it work
Step 1. Set up pre-configured data views for end users.
Use automated refresh scheduling and dynamic filters to create simplified, pre-configured data views that hide the complexity of multiple relationship paths from end users. Technical team members can configure these once for ongoing use.
Step 2. Create clear labeling and conditional formatting.
Use spreadsheet conditional formatting and clear column headers to help users understand optional relationship paths. Color-code different relationship types and add explanatory text that makes the data structure obvious.
Step 3. Implement business logic with Formula Auto Fill Down.
Create calculated fields and conditional displays that make optional relationships more understandable. Use formulas that explain why certain fields are blank or show alternative data when primary relationships don’t exist.
Step 4. Build simplified data extracts for dashboard tools.
SalesforceUsedata imports to create simplified extracts that can feed into easier-to-understand dashboard tools or simplified report types that focus on single relationship paths rather than complex multi-path structures.
Step 5. Consider user technical comfort levels.
For non-technical users who prefer Salesforce’s native interface, focus on creating simplified data extracts rather than complex spreadsheet solutions. Use Coefficient to prepare clean, single-path data that works better in standard Salesforce reports.
Find the right balance for your users
Explore CoefficientThe best approach depends on your users’ technical comfort levels and whether they prefer spreadsheet interfaces or native Salesforce tools.to see if simplified data access works better for your team than complex report types.
