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 in doubt, check with your admin first to see which option you should select.
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 |
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..
Step 1: Before You Start the Installation
Open Excel
Confirm you are signed in to your Microsoft 365 account
(Your name should appear in the top-right corner of Excel.)
Step 2: Install ExtendInsights Add-in
OPTION 1 - End User: Install from Microsoft AppSource
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
Step 1: Install and download directly from Microsoft AppSource via this link here.
Step 2: After installation, open Outlook on the desktop (or continue on the web) open any email, and click the ExtendSync 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
For IT admins, Centralized Deployment is the recommended method for rolling out ExtendSync across an organization. The add-in is deployed once from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and appears automatically in Outlook for all assigned users — no action required from users.
Centralized Deployment is not available for all versions of Microsoft 365. For example, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business does not support centralized deployment while Microsoft 365 Business Standard does. For more information on determining if centralized deployment of Office Add-ins works for your organization, see this official Microsoft article.
Step 3: Log in to ExtendInsights for NetSuite
After installation, open the ExtendInsights task pane in the Data tab and sign in.
Get Started with ExtendInsights
Choose the documentation that matches the application your organization uses.
Each Data Management and Analytics feature set appears in its own Excel task pane, but they are installed using the same Excel add-in.
The Financial Reporting features require a separate add-in.
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.
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.