How to integrate Smartsheet using Informatica PowerCenter
Learn how to quickly and efficiently connect Smartsheet with Informatica PowerCenter for smooth data access.
Read and write Smartsheet data effortlessly. Integrate, manage, and automate sheets, rows, and reports — almost no coding required. You can do it all using the high-performance Smartsheet ODBC Driver for Informatica PowerCenter (often referred to as the Smartsheet Connector). We'll walk you through the entire setup.
Ready to dive in? Download the product to jump right in, or follow the step-by-step guide below to see how it works.
Introduction
JSON / REST API is becoming more and more popular each day as everyone embrace cloud-centric services. This article is primarily focused on Informatica users who want to access Smartsheet data or may be other API Integration in Informatica. However many tips and techniques described in this article will help you to understand how to integrate Smartsheet / XML SOAP / JSON / REST API in other ETL / Reporting apps such as Tableau, Power BI, SSRS, Talend, Excel and many more.
After going through this article you will learn how to Read Smartsheet / JSON / REST API data in Informatica and understand the concept of JSON / REST API. We will go through many screenshots and step-by-step examples to demonstrate Smartsheet or REST API integration in Informatica PowerCenter.
XML / JSON can come from a local file or REST API service (internal or public) so we will include both examples in this article (i.e. Read JSON files in Informatica, Import REST API in Informatica). So let’s get started. Next article will focus on how to write data to API in Informatica (POST / PUT data)
If you need to consume API which is not listed on connector library page then please refer to the below article links. It talks about how to read / write pretty much any API and not just Smartsheet API. It explains various API tips / tricks using our other Universal Drivers not mentioned in this article (i.e. ZappySys JSON / XML and CSV Drivers).
Requirements
This article assumes that you have full filled following basic requirements.
- Download Install ZappySys ODBC PowerPack (API Driver for Smartsheet included)
- Install Informatica PowerCenter Client Tools (e.g. Workflow and Mapping Designers)
- Access to a Relational database such as SQL Server (or use any of your choice e.g. Oracle, MySQL, DB2 ). If nothing available then you can use flat file target.
High level Steps for Import Smartsheet data using Informatica (Read Smartsheet API data)
Before we dive deep to learn how to load Smartsheet data in Informatica (i.e. Smartsheet to SQL Table), Here the summary of high-level steps you need to perform to import Smartsheet in Informatica (same steps for Import JSON / XML / REST API).
- Download and Install ZappySys API Driver (for connecting to Smartsheet)
- Create ODBC DSN using ZappySys API driver and choose Smartsheet Connector during Wizard
- Create Relational > ODBC Connection in Informatica Workflow designer (Point to DSN we created in the previous step)
- Import Smartsheet Source Definition in the Informatica Mapping Designer > Sources Tab
- Import Target Table Definition in the Informatica Mapping Designer > Targets Tab
- Create source to target mapping in Mappings tab
- Save mapping (name m_API_to_SQL_Load )
- Create Session using the mapping we created in the previous step
- Save Workflow and execute to load Smartsheet data into SQL Table. Verify your data and log.
Video Tutorial – Read any API / JSON data in Informatica (Load Smartsheet to SQL Table)
Below video is not about Smartsheet API but its showing API access in general (for any API). By watching following ~5 min video can learn steps listed in this article to load JSON API data into SQL Server Table using ZappySys JSON Driver. You can go though full article to learn many useful details not covered in this video.
Getting Started – Import Smartsheet to SQL Server in Informatica
Now let’s get started. For example purpose, we will read data from Smartsheet and load data into SQL Server Table using Informatica Workflow.
Create data source using Smartsheet ODBC Driver
Step-by-step instructions
To get data from Smartsheet using Informatica PowerCenter, we first need to create an ODBC data source. We will later read this data in Informatica PowerCenter. Perform these steps:
-
Download and install ODBC PowerPack (if you haven't already).
-
Search for
odbcand open the ODBC Data Sources (64-bit):
-
Create a User data source (User DSN) based on the ZappySys API Driver driver:
ZappySys API Driver
- Create and use a User DSN if the client application runs under a User Account. This is the ideal option at design time (e.g., when developing in Visual Studio). Use it for both types of applications (64-bit and 32-bit).
- Create and use a System DSN if the client application runs under a System Account (e.g., as a Windows Service). This is usually the required option in a production environment. If your Windows Service is a 32-bit application, you must use the 32-bit ODBC Data Source Administrator to configure this
-
When the Configuration window appears give your data source a name if you haven't done that already, then select "Smartsheet" from the list of Popular Connectors. If "Smartsheet" is not present in the list, then click "Search Online" and download it. Then set the path to the location where you downloaded it. Finally, click Continue >> to proceed with configuring the DSN:
SmartsheetDSNSmartsheet
-
Now it's time to configure the Connection Manager. Select Authentication Type, e.g. Token Authentication. Then select API Base URL (in most cases, the default one is the right one). More info is available in the Authentication section.
Smartsheet authentication
OAuth Walkthrough
Apps connect to Smartsheet using OAuth 2.0 to authenticate and authorize users. If you are building an app, this documentation will walk you through the steps you need to authenticate your users. The Smartsheet SDKs contain APIs for OAuth 2.0.
NOTE: For users of apps like AWS AppFabric, you will need a Tenant ID. You can find your Tenant ID in Admin Center under Security & Controls. There is a Smartsheet Tenant ID pane.
First Steps
Before you can start using OAuth 2.0 with your app, Smartsheet needs the following information:
- You must register with Smartsheet to get a developer account*. The developer account gives you access to "Developer Tools", which is where you manage your app.
- In "Developer Tools", complete any required fields in your developer profile.
- In "Developer Tools", register your app so Smartsheet can assign a client Id and a client secret to the app.
- Review the list of access scopes. You'll need to choose which ones your app needs to get to a user's Smartsheet data, and then ask the user to consent to that access.
- After you've worked through these steps, you'll be ready to implement the OAuth Flow.
Open Developer Tools
- Log in to Smartsheet with your developer account.
- Click the "Account" button in the lower-left corner of your Smartsheet screen, and then click "Developer Tools".
- Do one of the following:
- If you need to register an app, click "Create New App".
- If you need to manage an app, click "view/edit" for the app.
Register Your App Using Developer Tools
- Log in to Smartsheet with your developer account.
- Click the "Account" button in the upper-right corner of your Smartsheet screen, and then click "Developer Tools".
- In the "Create New App" form, provide the following information:
- Name: the name the user sees to identify your app
- Description: a brief description intended for the user
- URL: the URL to launch your app, or the landing page if not a web app
- Contact/support: support information for the user
- Redirect URL: also known as a callback URL. The URL within your application that will receive the OAuth 2.0 credentials After you click "Save", Smartsheet assigns a client Id and secret to your app. Make a note of these Ids for the next steps; however, you can always look them up again in "Developer Tools".
API Connection Manager configuration
Just perform these simple steps to finish authentication configuration:
-
Set Authentication Type to
OAuth (Dynamic Token) [OAuth] - Optional step. Modify API Base URL if needed (in most cases default will work).
- Fill in all the required parameters and set optional parameters if needed.
- Press Generate Token button to generate the tokens.
- Finally, hit OK button:
SmartsheetDSNSmartsheetOAuth (Dynamic Token) [OAuth]https://api.smartsheet.com/2.0Required Parameters ClientId Fill-in the parameter... ClientSecret Fill-in the parameter... Scope Fill-in the parameter... Optional Parameters RetryMode RetryWhenStatusCodeMatch RetryStatusCodeList 429|503 RetryCountMax 5 RetryMultiplyWaitTime True
Smartsheet authentication
Raw Token Requests
If you want to get started quickly, or are developing a standalone application that can run with your credentials, follow these instructions:
- Click the "Account" button in the lower-left corner of the Smartsheet screen, and then click "Personal Settings".
- Click the "API Access" tab.
- Click the "Generate new access token" button to obtain an access token.
The access token must be sent with every API call in an HTTP authorization header (except for therequests to Get Access Token or Refresh Access Token). Once you have an access token, include it in the Authorization header for every request you make:
Authorization: Bearer JKlMNOpQ12RStUVwxYZAbcde3F5g6hijklM789The header name is Authorization and the value of the header is Bearer JKlMNOpQ12RStUVwxYZAbcde3F5g6hijklM789. Since the access token is being transmitted in clear text, all API calls are done over HTTPS.
NOTE: A best practice is to use a shared account, such as ticket-processor@example.com, rather than your individual work account.
API Connection Manager configuration
Just perform these simple steps to finish authentication configuration:
-
Set Authentication Type to
Static Token [Http] - Optional step. Modify API Base URL if needed (in most cases default will work).
- Fill in all the required parameters and set optional parameters if needed.
- Finally, hit OK button:
SmartsheetDSNSmartsheetStatic Token [Http]https://api.smartsheet.com/2.0Required Parameters Access Token Fill-in the parameter... Optional Parameters RetryMode RetryWhenStatusCodeMatch RetryStatusCodeList 429|503 RetryCountMax 5 RetryMultiplyWaitTime True
-
Once the data source connection has been configured, it's time to configure the SQL query. Select the Preview tab and then click Query Builder button to configure the SQL query:
ZappySys API Driver - SmartsheetRead and write Smartsheet data effortlessly. Integrate, manage, and automate sheets, rows, and reports — almost no coding required.SmartsheetDSN
-
Start by selecting the Table or Endpoint you are interested in and then configure the parameters. This will generate a query that we will use in Informatica PowerCenter to retrieve data from Smartsheet. Hit OK button to use this query in the next step.
SELECT * FROM Sheets --Where Id='5815807987847055'
Some parameters configured in this window will be passed to the Smartsheet API, e.g. filtering parameters. It means that filtering will be done on the server side (instead of the client side), enabling you to get only the meaningful datamuch faster . -
Now hit Preview Data button to preview the data using the generated SQL query. If you are satisfied with the result, use this query in Informatica PowerCenter:
ZappySys API Driver - SmartsheetRead and write Smartsheet data effortlessly. Integrate, manage, and automate sheets, rows, and reports — almost no coding required.SmartsheetDSNSELECT * FROM Sheets --Where Id='5815807987847055'
You can also access data quickly from the tables dropdown by selecting <Select table>.AWHEREclause,LIMITkeyword will be performed on the client side, meaning that thewhole result set will be retrieved from the Smartsheet API first, and only then the filtering will be applied to the data. If possible, it is recommended to use parameters in Query Builder to filter the data on the server side (in Smartsheet servers). -
Click OK to finish creating the data source.
Video Tutorial
Create Connection in Informatica Workflow Designer
Once you create DSN using API Driver our next step is to define a connection for Smartsheet source in Informatica PowerCenter Workflow designer.
- Open Workflow designer [W] icon
- Goto Connections > Relational
- Click New and select ODBC
- Now on the ODBC connection setup enter connection name, some fake userid / password (this is a required field but its ignored by JSON Driver)
-
In the Connection String field enter the exact same name of DSN (Open ODBC Data Sources UI to confirm)
Configure Smartsheet connection in Informatica for REST API – Using ZappySys API Driver
- Click OK to close the connection properties.
That’s it. Now we ready to move to next step (define source and target in Mapping Designer).
Import Smartsheet Source Definition in Informatica Mapping Designer
Now let’s look at steps to import Smartsheet table definition.
-
Open Informatica Mapping Designer (Click [D] icon)
-
Click on Source Icon to switch to Sources designer
-
From the top menu > Click on Sources > Import from Database …
-
Select ODBC data source from the dropdown (Find out DSN we created earlier to use as JSON Source)
-
Click Connect button to get a list of tables. Any array node is listed as a table. Also, you will see array node with parent columns (e.g. value_with_parent). You may get some warning like below but they are harmless so just ignore by clicking OK.
DLL name entry missing from C:\Informatica\PowerCenter8.6.1\client\bin\powrmart.ini Section = ODBCDLL Entry = ZappySys JSON Driver
—————————————————-
Using EXTODBC.DLL to support ZappySys JSON Driver. For native support of ZappySys JSON Driver make an entry in the .ini file. - Select Table you wish to get (You can filter rows by custom SQL query. We will see later in this article how to do)
- Optionally once table structure is imported you can rename it
- That’s it, we are now ready to perform similar steps to import Target table structure in the next section.
Import SQL Server Target Definition in Informatica Mapping Designer
Now let’s look at steps to import Target table definition (very similar to the previous section, the only difference is this time we will select DSN which points to SQL Server or any other Target Server).
Now lets look at steps to import target table definition in Informatica mapping designer.
- In the Mapping Designer, Click on Target Icon to switch to Target designer
- From the top menu > Click on Targets > Import from Database …
- Select DSN for your Target server (if DSN doesn’t exist then create one by opening ODBC Sources just like we created one for JSON API source (see the previous section about creating DSN).
- Enter your userid , password and Schema name and click Connect to see tables
- Select Table name to and click OK import definition.
Create Source to Target Mapping in Informatica (Import JSON to SQL Server)
Once you have imported source and target table definition, we can create mapping and transformation to load data from JSON to SQL Table.
- First open Mapping Designer (Click [D] icon)
- Drag JSON Source from sources folder
- Drag SQL Table from Targets folder
- Map desired columns from Source to target
-
For certain columns you may have to do datatype conversion. For example to convert OrderDate form nstring to DataTime you have to use Expression Transform like below and map it to target. In below example, our JSON has date format (e.g. 2018-01-31 12:00:00 AM ). To import this to DateTime field in SQL server we need to convert it using TO_DATE function. Use double quotes around T to make this format working.
TO_DATE(OrderDate,'YYYY-MM-DD H12:MI:SS AM') --For ISO use below way TO_DATE(OrderDate,'YYYY-MM-DD"T"HH24:MI:SS') - Once you done with mapping save your mapping and name it (i.e. m_Api_To_SQL)
- Now lets move to next section to create workflow.
Create Workflow and Session in Informatica
Now the final step is to create a new workflow. Perform following steps to create workflow which with a session task to import JSON data into SQL table.
- Open workflow designer by click [W] icon.
-
Launch new workflow creation wizard by click Workflow top menu > Wizard
name your workflow (e.g. wf_Api_Tp_Sql_Table_Import) - Finish the wizard and double-click the Session to edit some default properties.
- First change Error settings so we fail session on error (By default its always green)
- Select JSON connection for Source
- Change default Source query if needed. You can pass parameters to this query to make it dynamic.
- Select Target connection of SQL Target Table
- Save workflow
- That’s it. We ready to run our first workflow to load JSON data to SQL.
Execute Workflow and Validate Log in Informatica
Now once you are done with your workflow, execute it to see the log.
POST data to Smartsheet in Informatica
There will be a time when you like to send Source data to REST API or SOAP Web Service. You can use below Query for example. For detailed explanation on how to POST data in Informatica check this article .
Video Tutorial – How to POST data to REST API in Informatica
Here is detailed step by step video on REST API POST in informatica PowerCenter
Keywords
how to import Smartsheet in informatica | how to read Smartsheet data in informatica powercenter | how to test json from informatica | how to use Smartsheet data as source in informatica power center | how to connect Smartsheet in informatica 10 | informatica how to import data from Smartsheet | informatica jtx to import Smartsheet (use of java transformation) | informatica plugin for restful api using json | informatica power center and Smartsheet support | informatica read Smartsheet | informatica rest api | informatica Smartsheet connector | json parser import informatica
Optional: Centralized data access via ZappySys Data Gateway
In some situations, you may need to provide Smartsheet data access to multiple users or services. Configuring the data source on a Data Gateway creates a single, centralized connection point for this purpose.
This configuration provides two primary advantages:
-
Centralized data access
The data source is configured once on the gateway, eliminating the need to set it up individually on each user's machine or application. This significantly simplifies the management process.
-
Centralized access control
Since all connections route through the gateway, access can be governed or revoked from a single location for all users.
| Data Gateway |
Local ODBC
data source
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Simple configuration | ||
| Installation | Single machine | Per machine |
| Connectivity | Local and remote | Local only |
| Connections limit | Limited by License | Unlimited |
| Central data access | ||
| Central access control | ||
| More flexible cost |
To achieve this, you must first create a data source in the Data Gateway (server-side) and then create an ODBC data source in Informatica PowerCenter (client-side) to connect to it.
Let's not wait and get going!
Create Smartsheet data source in the gateway
In this section we will create a data source for Smartsheet in the Data Gateway. Let's follow these steps to accomplish that:
-
Search for
gatewayin the Windows Start Menu and open ZappySys Data Gateway Configuration:
-
Go to the Users tab and follow these steps to add a Data Gateway user:
- Click the Add button
-
In the Login field enter a username, e.g.,
john - Then enter a Password
- Check the Is Administrator checkbox
- Click OK to save
-
Now we are ready to add a data source:
- Click the Add button
- Give the Data source a name (have it handy for later)
- Then select Native - ZappySys API Driver
- Finally, click OK
SmartsheetDSNZappySys API Driver
-
When the ZappySys API Driver configuration window opens, go back to ODBC Data Source Administrator where you already have the Smartsheet ODBC data source created and configured, and follow these steps on how to Import data source configuration into the Gateway:
-
Open ODBC data source configuration and click Copy settings:
ZappySys API Driver - SmartsheetRead and write Smartsheet data effortlessly. Integrate, manage, and automate sheets, rows, and reports — almost no coding required.SmartsheetDSN
-
The window opens, telling us the connection string was successfully copied to the clipboard:
-
Then go to Data Gateway configuration and in data source configuration window click Load settings:
SmartsheetDSNZappySys API Driver - Configuration [Version: 2.0.1.10418]ZappySys API Driver - SmartsheetRead and write Smartsheet data effortlessly. Integrate, manage, and automate sheets, rows, and reports — almost no coding required.SmartsheetDSN
-
Once a window opens, just paste the settings by pressing
CTRL+Vor by clicking right mouse button and then Paste option.
-
Open ODBC data source configuration and click Copy settings:
-
Once done, go to the Network Settings tab and Add a firewall rule for inbound traffic:
- This will initially allow all inbound traffic.
- Click Edit IP filters to restrict access to specific IP addresses or ranges.
-
Crucial Step: After creating or modifying the data source, you must:
- Click the Save button to persist your changes.
- Hit Yes when prompted to restart the Data Gateway service.
This ensures all changes are properly applied:
Skipping this step may cause the new settings to fail, preventing you from connecting to the data source.
Create ODBC data source to connect to the gateway
In this part we will create an ODBC data source to connect to the ZappySys Data Gateway from Informatica PowerCenter. To achieve that, let's perform these steps:
-
Search for
odbcand open the ODBC Data Sources (64-bit):
-
Create a User data source (User DSN) based on the ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server driver:
ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
If you don't see the ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server driver in the list, choose a similar version. -
Then set a Name for the data source (e.g.
Gateway) and the address of the Data Gateway:ZappySysGatewayDSNlocalhost,5000
Make sure you separate the hostname and port with a comma, e.g.localhost,5000. -
Proceed with the authentication part:
- Select SQL Server authentication
-
In the Login ID field enter the user name you created in the Data Gateway, e.g.,
john - Set Password to the one you configured in the Data Gateway
-
Then set the default database property to
SmartsheetDSN(the one we used in the Data Gateway):SmartsheetDSNSmartsheetDSN
Make sure to type the data source name manually or copy/paste it directly into the field. Using the dropdown might fail because the Trust server certificate option is not enabled yet (next step). -
Continue by checking the Trust server certificate option:
-
Once you do that, test the connection:
-
If the connection is successful, everything is good:
-
Done!
We are ready to move to the final step. Let's do it!
Access data in Informatica PowerCenter via the gateway
Finally, we are ready to read data from Smartsheet in Informatica PowerCenter via the Data Gateway. Follow these final steps:
-
Go back to Informatica PowerCenter.
-
Open Informatica Mapping Designer (Click [D] icon)
-
Click on Source Icon to switch to Sources designer
-
From the top menu > Click on Sources > Import from Database …
-
Select ODBC data source from the dropdown (Find out DSN we created earlier to use as JSON Source)
-
Click Connect button to get a list of tables. Any array node is listed as a table. Also, you will see array node with parent columns (e.g. value_with_parent). You may get some warning like below but they are harmless so just ignore by clicking OK.
DLL name entry missing from C:\Informatica\PowerCenter8.6.1\client\bin\powrmart.ini Section = ODBCDLL Entry = ZappySys JSON Driver
—————————————————-
Using EXTODBC.DLL to support ZappySys JSON Driver. For native support of ZappySys JSON Driver make an entry in the .ini file. -
Read the data the same way we discussed at the beginning of this article.
-
That's it!
Now you can connect to Smartsheet data in Informatica PowerCenter via the Data Gateway.
john and your password.
Supported Smartsheet Connector actions
Got a specific use case in mind? We've mapped out exactly how to perform a variety of essential Smartsheet operations directly in Informatica PowerCenter, so you don't have to figure out the setup from scratch. Check out the step-by-step guides below:
- Add Sheet Rows
- Delete Sheet Rows
- Export Report (to PDF, Excel, CSV file)
- Export Sheet (to PDF, Excel, CSV file)
- Get Contacts
- Get Sheet Fields
- Get Sheet Row by ID(s)
- Get Sheet Rows
- List Contacts
- List Groups
- List Reports
- List Sheets
- Search (cell data or other object types)
- Send Report Via Email Excel Pdf Or Pdf Gantt Format
- Send Sheet Via Email Excel Pdf Or Pdf Gantt Format
- Update Sheet Rows
- Make Generic REST API Request
- Make Generic REST API Request (Bulk Write)
Conclusion
In this article we showed you how to connect to Smartsheet in Informatica PowerCenter and integrate data without writing complex code — all of this was powered by Smartsheet ODBC Driver.
Download ODBC PowerPack now or ping us via chat if you have any questions or are looking for a specific feature (you can also reach out to us by submitting a ticket):