Tipalti
  • Solutions
    • Accounts Payable AutomationEnd-to-end, invoice-based payments designed for growing companies
      • Supplier Management IconSupplier Management
      • Invoice IconInvoice Management
      • PO Matching IconPurchase Order Matching
      • Global Payouts IconPayment Remittance
      • Payment RecPayment Reconciliation
    • Purchase Order ManagementControl and visibility over corporate spend
    • Global Partner PaymentsScalable payment solutions for creator, ad tech, sharing and marketplaces economy
      • Supplier Management IconPartner Management
      • Global Payouts IconGlobal Payments
      • Fraud Detection IconFraud Detection
      • Self Billing IconSelf-Billing Module
      • Tax Compliant IconTax and VAT Compliance
  • Technology
    • Overview
      • The Tipalti PlatformGlobal, scalable, and fully automated
    • Features
      • Multi Entity IconMulti-Entity Architecture
      • Financial Controls IconFinancial Controls
      • Payment API IconPayment API
      • Secure Cloud IconSecure Cloud
      • AI IconPi Payables Intelligence
    • Integrations
      • ERP & Accounting
      • NetSuite
      • Sage Intacct
      • QuickBooks
      • Microsoft Dynamics
      • Sage Accounting
      • Xero Accounting
      • Performance Marketing
      • Custom Integrations
  • Why Tipalti
    • Overview
      • Why TipaltiA modern, holistic, powerful payables solution that scales with your changing business needs
      • Customer StoriesSee how we transform finance operations
    • Benefits
      • Accolades
      • Invoice-Based Workflow
      • Performance-Based Workflow
      • Benefits by Role
    • Additional Services
      • Currency Management
      • FX Hedging
      • Implementation Services
      • Supplier Enablement Program
    • Industries
      • Business Services
      • Software and Technology
      • Ecommerce and Retail
      • Marketplaces and Gig Economy
      • Video and Digital Media
      • Video Gaming
      • Financial Services
      • Online Services
      • Education
      • Healthcare
      • Advertising Technology
      • Affiliate and Influencer Networks
      • Manufacturing and Wholesale
  • Resources
    • Blog
      • The Financial Advisor BlogStrategy and trends in payments
    • Guides
      • What is AP Automation?
      • What is Self-Billing?
      • Compare Payment Methods
      • Future of Finance
      • Destination IPO
      • Payments Across Borders
      • The Total Guide to ERP Integration
  • Company
    • About Us
      • About Tipalti
      • Careers
      • Partnerships
      • Contact Us
    • Help
      • Support
      • FAQs
    • News & Events
      • Events
      • Newsroom
  • Login
  • Book a Demo
Get Started

Guide to Importing NetSuite Transactions: How to Import Transaction Data into NetSuite


We've paired this article with a comprehensive guide to handling accounts payable and global mass payments when using NetSuite. Get your free copy of The Last Mile of NetSuite: Payables Transformation Strategies!
Get the FREE guide
Home / Resources / Guide / NetSuite Import Transactions

One of the most challenging tasks in any ERP platform (enterprise resource planning) is effectively pulling your data into the system. Importing data is a common activity in NetSuite. This is especially the case when you are adding a module, migrating from legacy ERP, or cleaning up existing data. 

It’s a great tool for growing an established business. However, just like any web-based solution, you can run into issues getting data in and out. Some of the main pain points include:

  • Exporting data to analyze
  • Creating or editing a large number of records at one time
  • Updating multi-line transactions
  • Applying formulas to calculate field values
  • Developing automatic integrations with 3rd party platforms

Although there are required fields, NetSuite users can perform a data import in a variety of ways:

  • Comma-separated value file (CSV file)
  • Microsoft Excel file
  • Integrations using application program interfaces (APIs)

Each of these import options will create different record types (with an internal ID), but the data remains the same. Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most mileage out of your user interface and NetSuite import transactions today:

Get Organized

NetSuite implementation shouldn’t be a process. Like most things in life, your first step is to get organized. Import mapping is not always easy. If you miss one detail, all of the files could be corrupted. Here are a few steps to staying on top of things:

  1. Determine the import type you need. Are you updating existing files or adding new records? Although it’s a simple question, you can run into huge issues if done incorrectly. Always know your import data first!
  2. What specific records are you editing? If you need to create new items in the system, you must import CSV records for each type. In manufacturing, this may be something like lot number assembly, serialized assembly, or just plain assembly. The amount varies by professional services and products offered.
  3. Understand what information NetSuite needs to perform the action and any customizations you have in place.
  4. Create the record in the user interface first. Then, walk through each step to reproduce it in the CSV import.
  5. Get your field mapping in order. In addition to mandatory fields, you will need to determine how data exists in NetSuite. For example, the format could be a list, multi-select, text box, checkbox, etc. 
  6. Create a saved search (or searches) to track the data as it is imported and then run validations on the outcome.
  7. Establish any scripts or workflows that could trigger with your import. In SuiteScript, go through each workflow to ensure you understand the flow and ramifications of your NetSuite CSV import. These imports can be set up to not trigger a workflow, however, that decision should only be made after you understand the expected outcome desired. This can also help you create a CSV template moving forward. 
  8. Know your role permissions and restrictions. Always test what you are trying to import in the user interface first. If you cannot update the value, higher permission may be needed.

Importing CSV Transaction Data in NetSuite

To import scrubbed CSV transaction data in NetSuite, follow these menu steps using Import Assistant. Setup>Import/Export>Import CSV Files. Indicate whether the import will add new records or update existing records. Then map the CSV fields to NetSuite fields. Save import jobs to run later and reuse for mapping purposes. Validate the imported data.

Many businesses and accounts payable departments keep their important data in CSV and Excel files. These are then converted into custom forms in NetSuite. The CSV file is the most commonly used method for transferring small to medium-sized sets of data into NetSuite. 

The CSV import process helps to prevent errors and saves time. Data can be added or updated to all records simultaneously, rather than entering them manually.

Transform the way
your finance team works.

Bring scale and efficiency to your business with fully-automated, end-to-end payables.

Read more

Importing Bank Data

The system does not have a direct connection to your bank. If you’re wondering how to import credit card transactions into NetSuite (or any other type of financial data) it can be done manually or through automation. Any type of bank statement, vendor bill, or journal entry import can be downloaded to Excel and saved in a CSV file. Here are a few NetSuite tips to ensure your financial data is transferred properly:

Test it Out

It’s important to create a test run before all records are imported. Choose a small sample (1-2 records), import, and save changes. If everything is mapped correctly, you can move on to the entire database. 

Think of it this way, if you have thousands of records, it can be a nightmare to back out of an import and remap. NetSuite is picky about mapping, so this step is critical to saving time and reducing errors.

Validate the Data

This is especially important when it’s a NetSuite journal entry import. In order the ensure the information is correct, follow these quick steps:

  • Use your saved search to determine any abnormalities. These searches can be created based on system notes.
  • Load any sample records you created earlier. Go through each field to make sure the actual result matches the expected one.
  • Did anything happen on the sample import that you didn’t expect? Always work to determine the root cause of an issue and why the system behaved the way it did.

Once your data is validated, it’s safe to start your upload. When the record is created in the system, it is tagged with an external ID for easy identification. 

Mapping is one of the hardest tasks in automation because there is zero room for error. Understanding the import process and what the system requires is the first step to curing the headache of manual data entry. Once you get the hang of things, importing transactions not only saves on cost, it gives you back valuable time to focus on building the business and driving success!

About the Author

Brianna Blaney

Brianna Blaney began her career in Boston as a fintech writer for a major corporation. She later progressed to digital media marketing with various finance platforms in San Francisco.
She prides herself on reverse-engineering the logistics of successful content management strategies and implementing techniques that are centered around people (not campaigns).
In her spare time, she’s a self-proclaimed chef, lives in the middle of the woods, and has a frequent flyer card for birdseed and dog bones.


RELATED ARTICLES

Payoneer vs Hyperwallet : Better Payment platform What is a Balance Sheet? : Formula & Examples What is Inventory Management? Examples & Benefits Square vs Paypal: Which One Should You Choose? What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)? Income Statement Definition, Formula & Importance What Do You Need to Perform an ACH Transfer ? Top Procurement Softwares in 2022 Top 11 Accounting Problems & Solutions in 2022 What are Real Time Payments? How RTPs Work ACH vs Wire Transfer - What's the Difference ? What are Payment Rails & How do They Work? How to Set Up Direct Deposit [Complete Guide] Horizontal vs Vertical Integration The Complete Guide to Vendor Selection Process

Footer

Solutions

  • Accounts Payable Automation
  • Global Partner Payments
  • PO Management

Capabilities

  • Overview
  • Supplier Management
  • Invoice Management
  • PO Matching
  • Self-Billing Module
  • Payment Reconciliation
  • Global Payments
  • Fraud Detection
  • Tax and VAT Compliance

Why Tipalti

  • Why Tipalti
  • Customer Stories
  • Invoice-Based Workflow
  • Performance-Based Workflow
  • Benefits by Role
  • Benefits by Industry

Technology

  • The Tipalti Platform
  • Multi-Entity Architecture
  • Financial Controls
  • Payment API
  • Secure Cloud
  • Pi Payables Intelligence

Resources

  • The Financial Advisor Blog
  • What is AP Automation?
  • Compare Payment Methods
  • Future of Finance
  • Destination IPO
  • Payments Across Borders
  • The Total Guide to ERP Integration

Company

  • About Tipalti
  • Careers
  • Partnerships
  • Events
  • Press
  • In The News
  • Media Kit
  • Support
  • FAQs

REGION

  • United Kingdom
    • North America
CONTACT US
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube
Tipalti Europe Ltd, Elm Barn Stert Road, Kingston Blount, Chinnor, OX39 4SB, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales, No.:12471817. Tipalti Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FRN (Firm Reference number) is 942778.
We Handled It.
Privacy Policy
|
Customer Assistance Policy
© 2010–2022 Tipalti Inc.