ExtendInsights Salesforce allows you to manage Salesforce data directly from Microsoft Excel. Using a reusable template, you can:
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Explore the feature by watching the video or following the steps below:
Existing media may show the earlier connector layout. In version 10.8, Proceed is now Insert Template, and Save As Template is now Save Template at the bottom of the connector panel. After insertion, Configure collapses and Actions expands automatically.
Before You Begin
Before managing Salesforce records:
Connect ExtendInsights to the appropriate Salesforce account.
Confirm that your Salesforce user has permission to perform the intended operation.
Identify the Salesforce object and required fields.
Open a blank worksheet before inserting a template.
Start with a small dataset while learning the workflow.
Important: Inserting a template replaces the existing contents of the active worksheet.
Step 1: Build a Salesforce Template
A template maps Excel columns to Salesforce fields. Include the fields required by Salesforce and any additional fields needed for your process.
This example creates or updates Opportunity records using the following fields:
Name
Close Date
Stage
Amount
Lead Source
Opportunity Type
Open ExtendInsights and select Salesforce.
Select Create a New Template.
Select an existing Salesforce connection or create a connection.
Select the Salesforce object you want to manage. This example uses Opportunity.
Search for and select the fields you need. Then select Apply.
To change how Excel handles a field, see Change Field Data Types.
Select Insert Template.
ExtendInsights inserts the template into the active worksheet. Configure collapses, and Actions expands automatically.
Step 2: Save the Template for Reuse
Save the template if you want to use the same Salesforce object and field mappings in another workbook.
Go to Save Template at the bottom of the connector panel.
Enter a descriptive Template Name.
Optional: Enter a Description explaining the template's purpose.
Select Save.
The saved template appears in the Template Repository and can be loaded in another workbook.
Note: If you do not save the template, you can refresh it only from the worksheet where it was created.
Step 3: Review the Salesforce Workspace
After inserting the template, review the table configuration and the operations available under Actions.
➡️ See Overview: ExtendInsights Salesforce Workspace for details about the workspace controls.
Step 4: Enter the Data
Enter data manually or copy and paste prepared data from another system into the mapped Excel columns.
Before uploading:
Confirm that required Salesforce fields contain values.
Confirm that dates, numbers, and picklist values use supported formats.
Remove duplicate or incomplete rows.
Start with a small batch and verify the results before processing a larger dataset.
Example: Migrate Open Opportunities
A company is moving from a legacy CRM to Salesforce. The Salesforce administrator exports and cleans the open Opportunity data, then copies it into the ExtendInsights template.
Step 5: Upload the Records
Select the rows you want to process.
Under Actions, select Upload Rows.
Review the processing status in Excel.
ExtendInsights displays a green indicator for successfully processed rows. If a row fails, review the error returned in Column A, correct the data, and upload the row again.
How ExtendInsights Determines Create or Update
Record ID value | Upload result |
Record ID is blank | ExtendInsights creates a Salesforce record and returns its generated ID. |
Record ID is present | ExtendInsights updates the existing Salesforce record with that ID. |
Step 6: Validate the Upload
After the upload finishes:
Review the status and error information in Column A.
Confirm that successfully created rows contain their generated Salesforce record IDs.
Use Refresh Rows to retrieve the latest Salesforce values for rows that contain record IDs.
Verify a sample of the records directly in Salesforce.
Correct and reprocess any failed rows.
ExtendInsights Actions
The available actions depend on the selected Salesforce object and your permissions.
Action | What it does | Key requirement |
Preview | Get the first 50 records based on the criteria or SOQL. | Configure the fields and filters or query before downloading. |
Upload Rows | Creates records when the record ID is blank or updates records when the ID is present. | Include all fields required by Salesforce. |
Delete Rows | Sends a request to delete the selected Salesforce records. | The record ID must be mapped and populated. |
Download | Retrieves Salesforce records using configured object filters or SOQL. | Configure the fields and filters or query before downloading. |
Refresh Rows | Retrieves the latest Salesforce values for the selected worksheet rows. | Each row must contain a Salesforce record ID |
For detailed instructions:
Verification
Confirm that the operation completed successfully:
Successfully processed rows display a green indicator.
New records contain generated Salesforce IDs.
Updated records retain their existing Salesforce IDs.
Refreshed rows match the current Salesforce values.
Failed rows display actionable error information in Column A.
Best Practices
Test a new template with a small number of rows.
Include required Salesforce fields and the record ID when updating, deleting, or refreshing records.
Use Salesforce-valid picklist values and field formats.
Review all selected rows before uploading or deleting records.
Save frequently used templates with descriptive names.
Verify results in Salesforce after processing high-impact changes.
Need Help?
Search the CloudExtend Help Center for additional guidance.
If you still need assistance:
Use the in-app chat from the bottom-right corner of the Support site.
Include the Salesforce object, selected fields, operation, connection, affected row numbers, and any error messages or screenshots.