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 For | Don't Use For |
|---|---|
| Data that doesn't fit anywhere | Data that fits a standard record |
| Configuration tables | Simple lists (use Custom Lists) |
| Related data collections | Single values (use Custom Fields) |
| Tracking unique business objects | Temporary 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
| Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Include Name Field | Adds a "Name" field automatically |
| Show ID | Displays a record ID number |
| Allow Inline Editing | Edit in list view |
| Use Permissions | Role-based access control |
| Show in List View | Appears 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 Type | Example Use |
|---|---|
| Free-Form Text | Project Name, Description |
| List/Record | Project Manager (Employee), Customer |
| Date | Start Date, End Date |
| Currency | Budget, Actual Cost |
| Check Box | Is Active, Completed |
| Integer | Priority (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 type | Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Types > New |
| Add fields to record | Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Record Fields > New |
| View record list | Lists > [Record Name] |
| Set permissions | Record Type > Access tab |
| Search records | Reports > Saved Searches > New |
Tips
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Plan fields before creating | Add fields without planning |
| Use meaningful names | Name it "Custom Record 1" |
| Set permissions from start | Leave open to all |
| Create subtabs for organization | Crowd all fields together |
Key Takeaways
- Custom records store unique business data
- Plan your fields before creating
- Set permissions per role
- Use parent-child for related records
- Searchable like standard records
Related Topics
- Custom Subtabs, Lists & Fields - Adding fields
- Custom Forms - Customizing record forms
- Roles & Permissions - Access control