Data Shuttle Alternative

Replace Data Shuttle without purchasing Advance.

You want to automatically import data into Smartsheet. Data Shuttle can do that, but it’s part of Smartsheet’s Advance package and natively reads only CSV, Excel, and Google Sheets from cloud storage, with a limit of 20,000 rows per workflow. As a Smartsheet Gold Partner, we can replicate the same import and export functionality using n8n and the Smartsheet API, including sources such as FTP, SFTP, and SQL databases. You stay on Smartsheet, save on the Advance license, and retain control over your data.

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The challenge

Data Shuttle is powerful, but tied to Advance

Data Shuttle is a solid, premium add-on. However, for teams without an Advance budget, it presents three challenges.

Paid add-on. Data Shuttle is a paid premium add-on that can be purchased à la carte or as part of the Advance package. In both cases, you pay extra for the import feature; there is no publicly listed price—it’s available only through a custom quote.

20,000 rows per workflow. The native import is limited to 20,000 rows per workflow. You must split larger data sets or find another solution.

CSV, Excel, and cloud only. Data Shuttle reads CSV, Excel, and Google Sheets files from cloud storage services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, or Box. FTP, SFTP, or SQL databases are not natively supported.

The solution

Import and Export via n8n, Without a License

n8n takes on the role of Data Shuttle: importing data, processing it, and writing it to Smartsheet. Via the open Smartsheet API, with full data ownership.

More sources than native

n8n reads CSV, Excel, FTP, SFTP, SQL databases, and REST APIs—exactly the sources that Data Shuttle doesn't natively support, plus the familiar file and cloud formats.

More about n8n

Writing Using the Smartsheet API

n8n writes the processed data to your existing Sheets via the public Smartsheet API. No migration, no platform switch.

All Add-on Alternatives

Data Control Instead of an Add-On Fee

The workflow runs on EU-based hosting or self-hosting. You save on the Advance license and retain control over where your data is stored.

Also available for Jira

This is how we build

From the source to the planned sync

To be honest, the effort lies in setting up and maintaining the mapping, not in the license agreement. That's exactly where our work comes in.

1

Connect sources

We connect your data sources, whether they're CSV, Excel, FTP, SFTP, SQL databases, or REST APIs. n8n standardizes the formats for import.
2

Mapping and Rules

We define the field mappings, filters, and processing rules so that the data is imported into your Sheets cleanly and with the correct structure.
3

Scheduled Sync and Monitoring

The workflow runs as scheduled and is monitored, whether hosted by the EU or self-hosted. If any errors occur, we'll notify you before you even notice them in the spreadsheet.
4

Expand

Once the first import is running smoothly, we'll integrate additional sources and target systems—without any new licensing costs.

By the Numbers

A Comparison of Data Shuttle and n8n

20,000 Rows per workflow: the native Data Shuttle limit

500 Sources and connectors are available in n8n

0 Advance license required for the n8n path

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Data Shuttle Alternative

The most common questions asked before switching from Data Shuttle to an n8n import.

How much does Smartsheet Data Shuttle cost?

Data Shuttle does not have a publicly listed price. It is a paid premium add-on that can be purchased à la carte or as part of the Advance package, and is offered through a customized quote. The price depends on the number of users, the modules selected, and the contract term, and is determined during the sales consultation. This lack of price transparency is what prompts many teams to look for an alternative.

Is the Advance package absolutely necessary for Data Shuttle?

Not necessarily. Data Shuttle is a paid premium add-on that you can purchase à la carte or as part of the Advance package. Either way, it’s an additional charge with no publicly listed price. If you only need the import and export features, you can implement them using n8n and the Smartsheet API without incurring this add-on fee.

How do I automatically import CSV or Excel data into Smartsheet?

n8n reads the file from your source, applies your mappings and filters, and writes the rows to the appropriate sheet via the Smartsheet API. The process runs automatically in the background, without anyone having to copy data manually. In addition to CSV and Excel, FTP, SFTP, SQL databases, and REST APIs can also be used as sources.

Can I connect Smartsheet to my ERP or database without Data Shuttle?

Yes. n8n can read from an SQL database or your ERP's REST API as a source and write the data to your Smartsheet via the Smartsheet API. Data Shuttle does not natively support these specific source types because it is limited to CSV, Excel, and Google Sheets from cloud storage.

Is an n8n solution GDPR-compliant and maintainable?

n8n can be run using EU hosting or self-hosting, so your data stays within your environment—a clear advantage in terms of data sovereignty. This approach is maintainable as long as it’s built and documented properly. That’s exactly what we do: We build and maintain the configuration. The n8n approach isn’t any less work, but it doesn’t require an Advance license and gives you full control over your data.

OverviewSmartsheet Add-ons Without AdvanceAn overview of all add-on alternatives, from Data Shuttle to the Jira Connector. platformAutomation with n8nHow n8n connects sources such as FTP, SFTP, SQL, and APIs to Smartsheet, with EU hosting. Add-onJira-Smartsheet IntegrationA stable two-way sync between Jira and Smartsheet via n8n, instead of the Advance Connector.

Next step

Your data in Smartsheet, without Advance.

In a free add-on audit, we'll compare the n8n import with your Advance quote and show you which sources we can integrate.

Free Add-on Audit