How to Create a New Type of Item in NetSuite

As a business owner using NetSuite, you want to streamline your inventory management process and create new types of items that meet your specific needs. This can be a confusing and time consuming task without the right guidance. But don’t worry, with this article you’ll learn exactly how to easily create new item types in NetSuite.

What Is a Custom Item in NetSuite?

A custom item in NetSuite is a personalized product or service designed to meet the specific requirements of a business. It enables users to generate and monitor items that are not included in the standard NetSuite item list. Custom items can be utilized to represent specialized inventory items, unique services, or any other item that is not already defined in NetSuite’s standard item list.

Through the creation of custom items, businesses can effectively manage and monitor their individualized products or services within the NetSuite system.

How Is a Custom Item Different from a Standard Item?

A custom item in NetSuite differs from a standard item in several ways. Here are the key distinctions:

• Functionality: Custom items can be tailored to meet specific business needs and processes, whereas standard items have pre-set functionality and cannot be modified.
• Fields and subtabs: Custom items allow for the addition of custom fields and subtabs to capture unique information, while standard items have a fixed set of fields.
• Workflow and automation: Custom items can be integrated into customized workflows and automated processes, offering greater flexibility, whereas standard items follow predefined workflows and automation rules.
• Reporting and analysis: Custom items can provide more detailed and specific reporting and analysis capabilities, enabling businesses to gain deeper insights, while standard items have standardized reporting options.

Steps to Create a New Custom Item in NetSuite

Are you looking to add a new type of item to your NetSuite account? With its customizable platform, NetSuite allows you to create custom items to fit your specific business needs. In this section, we will walk through the steps to create a new custom item in NetSuite. From defining the item type to setting up pricing and inventory information, we will cover all the necessary details to successfully add a new item to your NetSuite database.

1. Define the Item Type

To define the item type in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Items” menu and select “New Item”.
2. Choose the appropriate item category, such as inventory, non-inventory, or service.
3. Specify the primary information, including item name, item ID, and subsidiary.
4. Select the appropriate tax schedule and revenue recognition rule.
5. Set up additional details like weight, unit of measure, and item description.
6. Save the changes to create the new item type.

When defining the Item Type, consider the purpose and characteristics of the item to ensure accurate categorization and easy management. Regularly review and update your item types to maintain organization and efficiency.

2. Choose the Appropriate Item Record

1. When creating a custom item in NetSuite, the second step is to select the appropriate item record type.
2. Start by navigating to the Items menu and selecting the “New Item” option.
3. Next, choose the item record type that best fits the nature of your item. For example, for a physical product, select the “Inventory Item” record.
4. If your item is a service or non-inventory item, choose the corresponding item record type.
5. Make sure to select the item record type that aligns with the characteristics and functionality you require for your custom item.

3. Fill in the Item Details

Filling in the item details is an essential step when creating a custom item in NetSuite. Here is a list of steps to follow:

1. Enter a unique item name that accurately describes the item.
2. Specify the item type, such as inventory, non-inventory, or service.
3. Assign the appropriate item category to classify the item.
4. Set the item’s primary vendor and any preferred vendors.
5. Enter a detailed description of the item, including any specifications or special features.
6. Specify the item’s weight, unit of measure, and any other relevant measurements.
7. Set up the item’s default tax code and any other tax-related information.
8. Define the item’s pricing, including the base price, pricing tiers, and any discounts or promotions.
9. Choose the appropriate item image to represent the item visually.

4. Set Up Pricing and Inventory Information

To effectively set up pricing and inventory information for a custom item in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Items” section in NetSuite and select the appropriate item record for your custom item.
2. Fill in all necessary details for pricing, including the base price, pricing tiers, and any discounts or promotions.
3. Specify the inventory information, such as stock levels, locations, and any reorder points or preferred vendors, for the item.
4. If applicable, set up any additional features related to pricing or inventory, such as serialized or lot numbered inventory, matrix items, or assembly items.
5. Save and review the pricing and inventory information for your custom item to ensure accuracy.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up the pricing and inventory information for your custom item in NetSuite.

5. Add Custom Fields and Subtabs

To add custom fields and subtabs in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Access the NetSuite dashboard and navigate to the Customization menu.
2. Select the “Lists, Records, & Fields” option and choose “Custom Fields” from the dropdown.
3. Click on the “New” button and select the appropriate record type for your custom field.
4. Fill in the details for the custom field, including the label, type, and any other necessary settings.
5. Save the custom field and navigate back to the Customization menu.
6. Select “Forms” and choose the form where you want to add the custom field.
7. Edit the form and drag the custom field onto the desired location within the form.
8. Save the changes and navigate back to the Customization menu.
9. Select “Subtabs” from the “Lists, Records, & Fields” option.
10. Click on the “New” button and enter the necessary details for the subtab.
11. Save the subtab and navigate back to the Customization menu.
12. Select “Forms” and choose the form where you want to add the subtab.
13. Edit the form, drag the subtab onto the desired location, and save the changes.

Best Practices for Creating Custom Items in NetSuite

Custom items are a powerful tool in NetSuite, allowing you to tailor your inventory management to suit your unique business needs. However, creating new custom items requires careful planning and implementation to ensure their effectiveness and accuracy. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for creating custom items in NetSuite. From structuring your items to testing and maintaining their functionality, these guidelines will help you make the most out of your custom items.

1. Plan and Organize Your Custom Item Structure

To effectively plan and organize your custom item structure in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Analyze your business requirements and determine the specific attributes and fields needed for your custom item.
2. Create a list of the different types of custom items you will need, taking into consideration variations in size, color, or any other relevant factors.
3. Design a naming convention for your custom items to ensure consistency and ease of identification.
4. Consider creating custom subtabs to organize related fields and information within each custom item record.
5. Map out the relationships between your custom items and other records in NetSuite, such as vendors or customers, to ensure proper integration and data flow.

2. Test and Validate Your Custom Item Before Launch

Before launching a custom item in NetSuite, it is crucial to thoroughly test and validate it to ensure it functions properly. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Review Item Configuration: Double-check all the settings and configurations for the custom item to ensure they are accurate and aligned with your requirements.
2. Create Test Scenarios: Develop specific scenarios to test the behavior and functionality of your custom item. This can include different inputs, workflows, and scenarios that the item may encounter in real-world usage.
3. Perform Testing: Execute the test scenarios and carefully observe the results. Check for any errors, bugs, or unexpected behavior that may occur during the testing process.
4. Validate Data Accuracy: Verify that the custom item is correctly processing and storing data. Compare the output of the custom item against the expected results to ensure accuracy.
5. Fix and Retest: If any issues or errors are identified during testing, make the necessary fixes and then retest the custom item to ensure the problems have been resolved.

By thoroughly testing and validating your custom item before launch, you can ensure a smooth and error-free experience for your users.

3. Regularly Review and Update Your Custom Items

Regularly reviewing and updating your custom items in NetSuite is crucial for maintaining accurate and efficient business processes. Here are the steps to ensure your custom items are up-to-date and aligned with your evolving business needs:

1. Document the structure and purpose of your custom items.
2. Periodically review your custom items to identify any necessary changes or updates.
3. Validate the changes by testing them in a sandbox environment before implementing them in your live system.
4. Communicate the changes to relevant stakeholders and provide training if necessary.
5. Regularly monitor and analyze the performance of your custom items to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

True story: A company regularly reviewed and updated their custom items in NetSuite. During one review, they discovered that a custom field they had created was no longer necessary and was causing confusion among their team. By removing the unnecessary custom field, they streamlined their processes and improved efficiency. Regularly reviewing and updating their custom items allowed them to adapt to changing business needs and optimize their system.