Quick Overview
This article walks you through installing the ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector
Why Installation Method Matters
ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector is installed as a Microsoft Office Add-in. The method you use to install it directly affects how future updates are delivered. This is the most important factor in choosing an approach.
If you are unsure which method to use, check with your Microsoft 365 admin.
Method | Auto-Updates? | When to Use |
⭐ Microsoft AppSource (End User) | ✅ Yes — automatic | RECOMMENDED individual users, self-service install |
⭐ Centralized Deployment (Admin) | ✅ Yes — automatic | RECOMMENDED org-wide rollout, consistent experience |
⚠️ Sideload | ❌ No — manual only | Last resort org-wide, AppSource blocked |
Before you begin
Open Excel and confirm you are signed in to your Microsoft 365 account.
Check which ExtendInsights products your organization has licensed or is trialing.
Data Management and Analytics use the ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector.
Financial Reporting uses a separate Excel add-in.
Watch Installation Steps
You can watch the short installation video or follow the steps below. Please note that there are three ExtendInsights Excel Add-Ins available. Be sure to choose the one you have licensed or are trialing.
OPTION 1 - End User: Install from Microsoft AppSource
These steps are for end users who can install Office add-ins.
Click Home in Excel.
Click Add-ins, then select Get Add-ins.
Search for ExtendInsights.
Install ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector or ExtendInsights Financial Reporting (or both if you have licensed both apps)
Once installed, the ExtendInsights task pane will be available in Excel under the Data tab.
Alternative (works on all OS): Microsoft AppSource
Install and download directly from Microsoft AppSource via this link here.
After installation, open Excel on the desktop (or continue on the web), open any email, and click the ExtendInsights icon in the ribbon or under Get Add-Ins.
✅ ExtendInsights is now installed and will receive automatic updates whenever CloudExtend publishes a new version.
OPTION 2 - Admin: Centralized Deployment via Admin Center
These steps are for Microsoft 365 admins. Centralized Deployment lets admins assign the add-in to users or groups. Assigned users can then access it in Excel without installing it themselves.
Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
Use Centralized Deployment to deploy the ExtendInsights add-in your organization uses.
Assign the add-in to the appropriate users or groups.
Have an assigned user open Excel and confirm the add-in is available.
Centralized Deployment is not available with every Microsoft 365 plan. Check Microsoft’s guidance on Office add-in deployment to confirm that your organization’s plan supports it. Deployment options and steps are managed through Microsoft 365.
The add-in receives updates automatically when CloudExtend publishes a new version.
For more information on determining if centralized deployment of Office Add-ins works for your organization, see this official Microsoft article.
Option 3: Sideload the add-in
Use sideloading only if AppSource and Centralized Deployment are unavailable for your organization. Sideloaded add-ins do not update automatically, so an admin must install updates manually.
Sign in to ExtendInsights
After the add-in is installed or deployed:
Open Excel.
Open the ExtendInsights add-in.
Sign in to NetSuite by following the instructions for your product:
Get Started with ExtendInsights
Choose the resources for the ExtendInsights product you use.
If you use... | Feature | Learn More |
Data Management | Create, update, and delete NetSuite records directly in Excel | |
Analytics | Use Saved Searches and SuiteQL to stream data from NetSuite to Excel |
|
ExtendInsights Financial Reporting | Build dynamic financial reports in Excel using live NetSuite data and XAVI formulas |
These guides cover common workflows, tips, and best practices.
Verify the installation
Confirm that:
The add-in appears in Excel.
You can open the correct task pane for your product.
You can sign in to your NetSuite account.
Need Help?
If you run into issues during installation or login:
🔍 Search the Help Center at https://www.cloudextend.io/support/
💬 Use the in-app chat (bottom-right of the support site)
✉️ Email cloudextend-support@celigo.com
📎 Please include as much detail as possible. Screenshots are always helpful.

