Skip to main content

Custom Records

Create your own record types in NetSuite.


What are Custom Records?

Custom records let you store data that doesn't fit standard NetSuite records.

EXAMPLES OF CUSTOM RECORDS
===============================================================================

Standard Records: Custom Records (you create):
├── Customer ├── Project
├── Sales Order ├── Contract
├── Invoice ├── Asset
├── Vendor ├── Training Course
└── Item ├── Policy Document
└── Anything you need!

When to Use Custom Records

Use Custom Records ForDon't Use For
Data that doesn't fit anywhereData that fits a standard record
Configuration tablesSimple lists (use Custom Lists)
Related data collectionsSingle values (use Custom Fields)
Tracking unique business objectsTemporary data

Creating a Custom Record

Step-by-Step

HOW TO CREATE A CUSTOM RECORD TYPE
===============================================================================

Step 1: Navigate
Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Types > New

Step 2: Name it
├── Name: "Project"
├── ID: _project (auto-generated)
└── Description: "Track company projects"

Step 3: Set basic options
├── Include Name Field: ✓ (most records need this)
├── Show ID: ✓ (show project ID)
└── Show Creation Date: ✓

Step 4: Set access
├── Access Tab: Set permissions per role
├── Who can view/create/edit/delete
└── Usually starts with Admin only

Step 5: Add fields (after saving)
├── Go to: Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Fields
├── Create fields for: Project Manager, Start Date, Budget, etc.
└── Assign to your custom record

Step 6: Save

Key Settings Explained

SettingWhat It Does
Include Name FieldAdds a "Name" field automatically
Show IDDisplays a record ID number
Allow Inline EditingEdit in list view
Use PermissionsRole-based access control
Show in List ViewAppears in Lists menu

Adding Fields to Custom Records

After creating the record type, add fields:

ADDING FIELDS TO A CUSTOM RECORD
===============================================================================

Step 1: Navigate
Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Fields > New

Step 2: Configure
├── Record Type: [Select your custom record]
├── Label: "Project Manager"
├── ID: _project_manager
├── Type: List/Record > Employee
└── Mandatory: ✓

Step 3: Save

Repeat for each field you need

Common Field Types for Custom Records

Field TypeExample Use
Free-Form TextProject Name, Description
List/RecordProject Manager (Employee), Customer
DateStart Date, End Date
CurrencyBudget, Actual Cost
Check BoxIs Active, Completed
IntegerPriority (1-5), Count

Real Example: Project Record

CUSTOM RECORD: PROJECT
===============================================================================

Record Settings:
├── Name: "Project"
├── ID: _project
├── Include Name Field: ✓
└── Show ID: ✓

Fields:
├── Project Name (Name field, included by default)
├── Project Manager: Employee lookup
├── Customer: Customer lookup
├── Start Date: Date
├── Target End Date: Date
├── Budget: Currency
├── Status: Custom List (Planning, Active, On Hold, Completed)
├── Priority: Integer (1-5)
└── Notes: Text Area

Subtabs:
├── Task subtab: Linked child records
└── Documents subtab: File attachments

Parent-Child Records

You can link custom records together:

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
===============================================================================

Parent Record: Project

└── Child Records: Project Tasks
├── Task 1: Design Phase
├── Task 2: Development
└── Task 3: Testing

Setup:
├── Create "Project Task" record type
├── Add field "Parent Project" (type: List/Record > Project)
└── Child records link back to parent

Accessing Custom Records

From the Menu

Lists > [Custom Record Name] > [List of Records]

From Saved Searches

You can search custom records just like standard records:

Reports > Saved Searches > New
Select: [Your Custom Record Type]

Setting Permissions

CUSTOM RECORD PERMISSIONS
===============================================================================

Location: Record Type > Access Tab

For each role, set level:
├── None: Can't see record type at all
├── View: Can see but not create/edit
├── Create: Can create new records
├── Edit: Can modify existing records
└── Full: Can create, edit, delete

Quick Reference

I want to...Go to
Create new record typeCustomization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Types > New
Add fields to recordCustomization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Fields > New
View record listLists > [Record Name]
Set permissionsRecord Type > Access tab
Search recordsReports > Saved Searches > New

Tips

DoDon't
Plan fields before creatingAdd fields without planning
Use meaningful namesName it "Custom Record 1"
Set permissions from startLeave open to all
Create subtabs for organizationCrowd all fields together

Key Takeaways

  1. Custom records store unique business data
  2. Plan your fields before creating
  3. Set permissions per role
  4. Use parent-child for related records
  5. Searchable like standard records