Insight Software’s Spreadsheet Server real-time financial reporting tool works with over 140 of the top ERPs directly in Excel. Many users rely on this solution to automate the most time-consuming financial analysis processes that weigh their business down.
But is Spreadsheet Server the best way to do this? Are there better alternatives? Where does it stand out from the competition? We’ll get to the bottom of these questions and more in this comprehensive overview of Spreadsheet Server reviews, alternatives, and features.
Spreadsheet Server: Overview
Spreadsheet Server, developed by Insight Software, is a financial reporting tool that integrates with Microsoft Excel. With it, users can pull data from multiple ERP systems directly into Excel.
This facilitates real-time financial reporting and analysis, combining data from different platforms (including GL and non-GL data) and far better data accuracy.
Who is Spreadsheet Server For?
Built for financial and accounting departments, Spreadsheet Server helps them automate their financial reporting processes, including data collection and analysis. Made for Excel users, it is ideal for teams using that for their financial reporting.
They can then use Spreadsheet Server to get real-time access to their ERP data within Excel.
Insight Software also markets the software as an “Al-enabled integrated solution for the Office of the CFO.”
Spreadsheet Server Reviews
Studying hundreds of Spreadsheet Server reviews, we can discern certain features that clients appreciate the most about the software.
User-Friendly
A number of Spreadsheet Server customers list its user-friendliness among its “pros.” As one user says, you can start creating reports on your first day thanks to the pre-made templates it includes—no lengthy onboarding process required.
Time-Saving
Customers repeatedly touch on Spreadsheet Server’s ability to save time spent on manual financial processes.
They explain that it does this by cutting the time spent on reconciliations, producing financial statements, and monthly variance research. Where data compilation was once a manual process, it is now an automated process completed in a fraction of the time.
Customization
Spreadsheet Server offers plenty of customization capabilities for different purposes, including taxes and reporting. We can customize the platform based on particular business needs or to best suit their business.
As one user adds:
“I like the ability to customize the pull function and integrate it with my tax software to push live data into the tax software to calculate annual provisions. Additionally, it’s extremely easy to use as well as customize for a multitude of business needs.”
Instantaneous Data Access
The software enables real-time data extraction directly from ERP systems into Microsoft Excel, a feature most customers appreciate. This capability facilitates accurate reporting and ensures users have the information they need readily available.
Accuracy and Reliability
Users note how Spreadsheet Server enhances the accuracy of their financial reporting. Often, this is by means of minimizing common errors in manual data entry and manipulation. This reliability is integral to the integrity of financial statements and other critical reports.
Support Services
Some independent reviews list Spreadsheet Server’s customer service among the “pros” category. Among the descriptors for its customer service, you’ll find reviews that list it as being “very helpful,” “timely,” and even “outstanding.”
Noteworthy Spreadsheet Server Functions
- Real-Time Data Integration: Users can quickly incorporate real-time data from their ERP systems (like Viewpoint) directly into Microsoft Excel. Then, they always have access to the most precise information for reporting and analysis.
- Customizable Reporting: Hoping for highly customizable financial statements, graphs, and KPIs? With this flexibility, there is access to dynamic reporting that can quickly adapt to changing business needs.
- Financial Processes Automation: With Spreadsheet Server, tasks like reconciliations, variance analysis, and reporting are automated. This saves users time and reduces the risk of human error from manual data entry.
- Drill-Down Functionality: Users can drill down to subledger detail in one click without manually exporting data or creating reports. They have easy access to journals, receivables, and payables—straight from Excel.
- Ease of Use: Designed to be user-friendly, Spreadsheet Server leverages Excel’s familiar interface. This makes it easy for finance professionals to adopt and use it without extensive training or IT involvement.
- Data Analysis: It provides powerful data manipulation capabilities within Excel. Users can easily perform complex calculations, create interactive dashboards, and conduct detailed financial analyses.
- Security and Control: The software offers impressive security features to protect sensitive financial data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. You can use audit trails and version control to maintain the integrity of your data.
- Scalability: Built for businesses of all sizes, Spreadsheet Server grows to meet data and reporting requirements without impacting performance.
Here’s an article you don’t want to miss next: Real-Time Reporting Tools for Finance, Operations, Payroll.
Spreadsheet Server Drawbacks (According to Customers)
Along with its positive qualities, customers mention certain drawbacks they feel can be addressed to improve Spreadsheet Server.
The common themes among this feedback include the following:
- Speed: Several users list the solution’s speed as a con. Some note that transaction-based reporting takes longer than ideal. Others say it can be slow when pulling data, and another says, “It takes a very long time to run when it involves multiple time periods and sheets.” One user also notes its low processing time and long troubleshooting time.
- Performance Issues: This also comes up several times in reviews. Users say there are performance-related issues, including ones that pop up during reporting specifically. One example: “Performance issues arise with large reports due to slow processing. While software updates have helped in the past, limitations remain in handling large volumes of transaction data.”
- Learning Curve: While some users touch on Spreadsheet Server’s user-friendliness, others say it has a steep learning curve and lacks intuitiveness.
- Support Limitations: Again, some users list this under the pros category, while others say Spreadsheet Server leaves something to be desired from customer support (“support is not able to assist me on the weekends”).
- Integration Issues: Despite integrating with more than 140 ERPs, some issues appear unresolved. For example, one user offers, “With Oracle Cloud, there is no direct connection to the database and requires replication to an alternate database. This means data isn’t necessarily real-time in our case.”
Spreadsheet Server Pricing
Rather than offering a flat pricing structure, Spreadsheet Server depends on how it will be used, how many people will use it, and other factors. Spreadsheet Server does not advertise these prices, but those interested can contact them for a free demo and to get a personalized quote.
Spreadsheet Server does not offer a free version, but users can use a free trial period. There is also no setup fee.
The Best Spreadsheet Server Alternative
We’ve covered the good, the great, and the not-so-great aspects of Spreadsheet Server. While it is considered a top solution in its category, there are alternatives for those who can’t find exactly what they’re looking for with this software.
One such alternative is Datarails CONNECT.
Meet Datarails CONNECT
Quickly gaining a reputation as the best-in-class real-time reporting tool for Excel, ERP, CRM, and HRIS, thousands of industry leaders have already entrusted their businesses to Datarails.
With its five-step setup system, users can reap the rewards of this powerful platform in less time, maximizing on its time-saving abilities.
Step #1: Download the Datarails Excel Add-in
After downloading the Datarails add-in, users will find it in the ribbon tab on their Excel spreadsheet.
Step #2: Import Data at Any Time
Whenever you want data in real-time, you have a one-click solution to extract it.
Step #3: Integrate with Your ERPs and CRMs 
We offer the integrations you want, from Salesforce to NetSuite, QuickBooks, or any other system. You can connect these systems with a few clicks and let them get to work.
Step #4: Customize
No matter the field or system, Datarails CONNECT has your back. Use the user-friendly lookup table to select the data fields you want to see. Then, add your chosen conditions and filters.
Step #5: Enter Your CONNECT Formulas into Excel
Last but not least, it’s time to make use of your data! With the real-time and updated flow of data from your systems into your Excel spreadsheet, the sky’s the limit on what you can do with this integration. Make use of powerful formulas and get instant results.
Who is Datarails CONNECT For?
We go beyond just meeting the needs of any finance team. Our solutions are built with specific purposes in mind: payroll, finance, compliance, and operations.
Depending on who is using CONNECT, they will make use of tailored solutions designed just for them.
For example, with CONNECT for Finance, users have access to:
- AR and AP Management
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Financial Reporting
- Profit and Loss (P&L) Analysis
- Cash Flow Management
- Tax Compliance and Reporting
- Treasury and Risk Management
- M&A
- Financial Forecast Variance
- Cost Accounting and Costing
Try the #1 Spreadsheet Server Alternative Today
Ready to try CONNECT for yourself? Request your demo now to get started!
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