There is s better way to do that and it not messy at all unlike datasmith. perfect for my pipline.
Maybe it is datasmith under the hood or other way around.
make sure to check export instances while exporting your scene from 3ds max, maya etc.
Then in engine
Go to File>Import into level , Select your fbx. you will see a never seen before fbx importer with very usable and easy to understand options.
Check “Bake pivot in the vertex” if you want unreal to apply xform(max users will know) It basically bakes the position of every instance in the scene.