How to Import Live Data into Google Sheets
Whether you’re an accountant, a bookkeeper, or a business owner who is just looking for easier ways to get accounting tasks done, there’s a good chance you’re always looking for integration options designed for Google Sheets.
You might already know that you can connect QuickBooks to Google Sheets in a few ways, but you might be wondering how to make that work. So, how can you quickly and easily import QuickBooks data into your Google Sheets Reports?
Why Would You Want to Import Live Data Into Google Sheets?
Many companies use tools like Google Sheets to create accounting summaries and reports so that people who need to see them don’t have to try to pull information manually themselves.
The problem is, that whenever your data refreshes, your reports aren’t accurate anymore. So, to ensure that you always have the most up-to-date information on your Google Sheets reporting, you need to find ways to update them whenever your accounting data changes.
Manually Import a CSV
While it’s not automated, importing data from QuickBooks as a CSV is another way you can get the data you need for reporting in Google Sheets into the spreadsheet you’re working on.
To do this, you will need to use the export function in QuickBooks, and then use the import function in Google Sheets. You will probably have to edit the data to make it work in your spreadsheet or Microsoft Excel, but it’s a lot quicker than typing every line in manually!
Use An Automation Tool
There are several no-code and low-code tools like Zapier or Integromat, among many others that allow you to build Google Sheets integrations from various platforms and software packages.
Usually, these types of integrations need to be built for each process you want to automate, and the cost to use these tools is usually based on the number of times you use your integrations every month. So if you have a very active accounting department, you could spend a lot on this kind of tool.
Custom Coding with Google Apps Script
Another option to automate reporting in Google sheets from QuickBooks is to create a custom code integration with Google Apps Script. It enables you to automate tasks across Google products and services with ease.
You can build a tool that will update your spreadsheets whenever the data refreshes in your accounting software, or when you run a particular command.
The problem with this is that most people don’t have the technical skills required to do the coding themselves. So while most software packages do provide access to the API you will need to create your own data automation script, you will probably have to hire a software developer to do it. That can take a long time and cost a lot of money.
Using LiveFlow
When we started to build LiveFlow, we were looking for clever and convenient ways to solve the problems that most accountants, bookkeepers and business owners face when using tools like QuickBook and Google Sheets.
We always knew we were going to create an easy way to connect QuickBooks to Google Sheets – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
LiveFlow is one of the few accounting automation tools on Google Workspace Marketplace that can connect QuickBooks to Google Sheets right out of the box and provide you with real-time updates.
You can create a seamless connection between your QuickBooks company or multiple companies and create fully custom dashboards. LiveFlow will do the heavy lifting for you and will keeps your reports updated at any time. It's really easy, check the steps below:
- Open your Google Sheet
- Go to Extensions
- Select LiveFlow
- Click Integrate QuickBooks
- Once integrated, open LiveFlow
- Select a report of your choice
- Click Create Live Report
Choose Your Options Based On Your Needs
If you’re running a small business where you don’t need to do complex reports and detailed accounting spreadsheets, you might find that manual input works when you do need to work with QuickBooks data in Google Sheets.
If you only have to use data automation for a handful of accounting functions and reports, a no-code solution might work fine, and if you have the time and the budget, getting a custom program developed is a good way to get exactly what you need.
However, if you just want to make reporting in Google Sheets quick and easy, and you’re looking for something to connect QuickBooks to Google Sheets without the expense and hassle, LiveFlow might be the tool you need.
Whatever you choose, it should make your life easier and your accounting tasks faster. Data automation is changing the way accounting works and building these kinds of integrations means you spend less time on repetitive manual work, and you have more time for everything else that demands your attention.
