This section describes how the Board Excel Add-in is deployed, distributed, and managed. It explains the supported deployment models for users and IT administrators, as well as key considerations for Excel on the web or desktop.
Supported environments
The Board for M365 Excel Add-in can be used with Board Cloud environments that have the Subscription Hub.
Board Cloud with Subscription Hub
For Cloud customers with Subscription Hub, the Add-in connects directly to the Board Cloud environment with the appropriate authentication and licensing.
Add-ins for Cloud customers without Subscription Hub and on-premises are not currently supported.
Versioning and update behavior
The MS Office Excel Add-in automatically aligns with the connected Board environment. When you connect to a Board instance running a different version, the Add-in updates to the compatible version as required.
IT Administrators can deploy new versions centrally through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Existing MS Office Add-ins (Word and PowerPoint) remain usable and are not affected by Excel Add-in updates.
Deployment models
The Board for M365 Excel Add-in supports two deployment models: self-service and centralized. Both models can coexist in the same organization based on governance and security requirements.
Users
Self-service deployment. Users can install and manage the Add-in directly from Excel or through the Microsoft Office Store. Publishing the Add-in to the Microsoft Office Store enables broad distribution, allows installation without Administrator approval, and ensures automatic updates. This approach requires Microsoft certification to comply with quality and security standards.
Specific Roles and configured Feature profiles assigned to users are also applied in the Board M365 Excel Add-in.
All Data Model security settings also apply to the Add-in.
Administrators
Centralized deployment. IT Administrators deploy and manage the Add-in for users across the organization. Administrators can deploy the Add-in remotely using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Administrators can also configure the Board M365 Excel Add-in for the web by linking Excel to the shared folder where the manifest file is stored. For complete installation guidance, see Board Office Add-ins installation. For expert assistance, contact Board Support.
Administrator deployment method
Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Upload the Add-in manifest to the admin center and assign the Add-in to selected users or groups. Office Store certification is not required for internal tenant deployments. After assignment, the Add-in appears automatically in Excel for the assigned users.
Installation of the Board M365 Excel Add-in
The Board M365 Excel Add-in supports both Excel for desktop and Excel for the web.
Excel for Desktop
On desktop installations, the Add-in integrates into the Excel ribbon and right Task pane. After installation and login, you can access the full set of Table configuration and management features.
Excel for the web
Use the Microsoft Office Store to install the latest version of the Board for M365 Excel Add-in for Excel for the web (also called Excel Online or Excel Web App). Core functionality is available directly within the browser-based Excel experience.
For step-by-step guidance, see the Microsoft Support article Insert Office Add-ins into Excel for the web. The Store keeps the Add-in up to date automatically.
Installation requirements
Before installation, make sure you have the following requirements:
an active, authenticated Board license. Add-ins are included in Power User and Developer licenses. Users and Lite licenses need Administrator permissions via the Subscription Hub.
For all other licenses, ask your Board Customer Success Manager for more details.version Board 15 or newer. Add-ins are only compatible with Cloud Platforms that have the Subscription Hub.
If you do not know your license status, see the Licenses section or contact your Board Customer Success Manager.
Read more about system requirements and technical prerequisites.
How to install
You can install the Board M365 Excel Add-in from within Excel (recommended) or through the Microsoft Marketplace.
Installation from Excel
To begin installation from Excel, follow the steps below:
Open Excel 365 and create a blank workbook.
In the Workbook Ribbon, locate the Add-ins section and click on the “Add-ins” button.
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In the search field, enter “Board Add-in for Microsoft 365”.
Click “Add” to install the Add-in.
Installing from the Microsoft Office Store enables automatic updates when using Excel for Desktop and Excel for the web. This ensures the Add-in remains current and compatible with the Board environment across both applications.
Installation from Microsoft Marketplace
To install the Add-in from Microsoft Marketplace, follow the steps below:
Open the Board Add-in for Microsoft 365 page in Microsoft Marketplace.
Select “Get it now” and sign in with your Microsoft account used for Excel.
In Excel, open Home > Add-ins > More Add-ins.
Find the Board Add-in for Microsoft 365 in the store, then select “Add” to install de Add-in.
After installation
A Board group appears in the Excel Home tab Ribbon.
Click on the Board button to open the task pane and log in.
Open the Board M365 tab to start using the Add-in.
The Excel Ribbon below shows the Board Add-in icon on the right-most side of the Home tab ribbon.
First-run setup
Click on the Board button to open the task pane.
Enter your Environment URL when prompted. Use the URL provided by your organization.
A sign-in window appears.
Sign into the Board Platform to complete the setup. You must sign in before using the Add-in. For guidance, see Connection and Login.
After you sign in, the Add-in connects to your environment and is ready to use.
How to log in
After installation, the Excel Ribbon shows a new Board tile on the far right.
The Board Welcome task pane opens and prompts you to login to a Board Environment.
Enter your Environment URL if prompted, then sign in.
After sign-in, the task pane opens on the “All Tables” tab. You can now start creating Tables and connecting data from Board directly to Excel.
For more information, see Connection and login.
SSO is supported.
Simultaneous login to the web platform and Excel is supported.
Logout inactivity settings are also valid for Add-in connections.
Every time you connect to Board, the most updated M365 Board Excel Add-in compatible with the URL entered is served.
The User can switch between platforms. The most recent version of the Add-in compatible with the instance currently used is served.
