Design Programs & Excel?

[CREATIVDesignStudio]

Hi all! I have a client that works in InDesign, but has brokers that do not. She is asking me to figure out a way that the brokers can update something like an excel spreedsheet with information that will then update in a design file of some sort. (Specifically numbers, percentages, charts, etc.). Is this a unicorn ask? Or are there any programs that do this sort of thing when mixing design files and non-design files to achieve something pleasing to the eye to present to clients? TIA! 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

You can place and link to an external Excel file, that can be updated as needed. 

[CREATIVDesignStudio]

Yes, but will it automatically update or will it need to be merged again? 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Standard Excel data (rows, columns) can be linked, and therefore updated much like a modified image is updated. 

Charts are best exported as PDFs from Excel and imported as a standard graphic in ID. When updates are made, replace the PDF chart with the updated PDF. Updated as a modified graphic.