ODBC connectors were once the go-to method for pulling NetSuite data into Excel. But today’s finance teams need more speed, reliability, and less technical friction, and they’re finding that ODBC can’t keep up. It’s slow, complex, and fragile, leaving finance professionals dependent on IT and vulnerable to broken reports and security gaps.

That’s why leading teams are moving to other user-friendly solutions like ExtendInsights by CloudExtend, an Excel-native tool explicitly built for NetSuite users. ExtendInsights eliminates the pain points of ODBC and enhances the entire reporting workflow when paired with Power Query and Power BI.

ExtendInsights also uses Asynchronous Web Services to enable faster data downloads and shorter queue times, delivering performance at scale without delays. 

Let’s take a look at the challenges of using ODBC and the differences a modern solution can make for your team.

ODBC Requires Technical Setup

ExtendInsights Installs in Excel without IT Support

ODBC demands the installation of drivers, DSN configuration, firewall adjustments, and often IT involvement. The setup is tedious and error-prone—not to mention not something most finance teams would know how to do if needed.

ExtendInsights installs directly in Excel. There are no drivers, DSNs, or IT tickets. Any NetSuite user can install and use it in minutes.

ODBC Exposes Raw Tables

ExtendInsights Uses Clean, Curated NetSuite Saved Searches

ODBC exposes backend tables in their raw form. To begin analysis, users must join tables, apply filters, and write SQL.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights connects to NetSuite Saved Searches, which already contain business rules and filters. Users work with ready-to-use data, saving time and avoiding errors.

ODBC Refreshes Are Slow and Unreliable

ExtendInsights is Fast and Powered by Asynchronous Web Services

ODBC refreshes often take several minutes, especially with larger datasets or complex joins. Refreshes may time out or fail altogether.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights leverages Asynchronous Web Services to process and deliver data faster. Refreshing data becomes a single-click action, even for extensive reports.

ODBC Breaks with NetSuite Changes

ExtendInsights Remains Stable during Schema Updates

Changes in NetSuite tables or fields can cause ODBC reports to fail without warning.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights stays stable because it pulls directly from Saved Searches. Any updates in NetSuite logic automatically flow into Excel.

ODBC Requires SQL

ExtendInsights is Designed for Business Users

Using ODBC often means writing SQL queries and understanding NetSuite’s complex schema.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights requires no technical skills. Users can analyze data with it if they can run a saved search and use Excel.

ODBC Poses Security Risks

ExtendInsights Enforces NetSuite Permissions Automatically

ODBC setups can accidentally expose sensitive data if security settings are misconfigured.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights uses the user’s NetSuite login and respects all permissions by default. Access is secure and aligned with existing roles.

ExtendInsights Enhances Power Query and Power BI Workflows

ODBC feeds raw, unstructured data into Power Query and Power BI, increasing prep time and refresh failure risk.

versus . . .

ExtendInsights delivers clean, trusted data into Excel, which Power Query can easily shape and combine. From there, Power BI dashboards refresh reliably and remain accurate.

How to Move on from ODBC

ODBC was helpful in its time, but it no longer meets the demands of today’s finance and reporting teams. It’s slow, complex, fragile, and requires constant IT support.

Fortunately for finance teams, ExtendInsights offers a purpose-built alternative for NetSuite users, enabling fast, reliable, and secure access to business-ready data inside Excel. 

With integration into Power Query and Power BI, ExtendInsights delivers scalable reporting that empowers finance teams to make timely, data-driven decisions. Plus, Asynchronous Web Services provide the speed and performance needed for real-time insights, without compromising security or ease of use.

If your team still relies on ODBC, it’s time to consider a better path. ExtendInsights modernizes how finance professionals work with NetSuite data, making reporting faster, innovative, and more efficient.

But don’t just take our word for it. Try it for yourself—completely free—for two weeks. Get started here.