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Data Flow Map Overview

Comprehensive view of how data flows through NetSuite - from inventory and GL to revenue recognition, currency, and intercompany transactions.


In This Section​

Flow MapWhat It Shows
Inventory Flow MapAll physical inventory movements
GL Flow MapAll financial/accounting entries
Transaction LinkageHow transactions connect via createdfrom
Cash Flow MapMoney movement - inflows and outflows
Intercompany FlowCross-subsidiary transactions and eliminations
Revenue Flow MapRevenue recognition, deferred revenue, ASC 606

Data Conversion Maps​

Conversion MapWhat It Shows
Currency ConversionMulti-currency, revaluation, FX gains/losses
Unit of Measurement (UoM)UOM conversions across transactions

Why Data Flow Matters​

Understanding the big picture helps you:

  • Debug issues - Trace where inventory went or why GL is off
  • Plan integrations - Know which transactions affect what
  • Train users - Show how everything connects
  • Design reports - Understand data relationships
  • Audit transactions - Follow the complete trail

Master Data Flow Diagram​

NETSUITE DATA FLOW OVERVIEW
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

NETSUITE CORE
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐│
│ │ INVENTORY │ │ GL │ │ CASH │ │ REVENUE │ │ CURRENCY ││
│ │ LEDGER │◄─┤ LEDGER │◄─┤ LEDGER │◄─┤ SCHEDULE │◄─┤ RATES ││
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ││
│ │ Qty/Item │ │ $/Account │ │ Bank Bal │ │ Deferred │ │ FX Impact ││
│ │ Location │ │ Period │ │ Deposits │ │ Recognized│ │ Reval ││
│ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘│
│ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ │
└────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼───────┘
│ │ │ │ │
└──────────────┴──────────────┴──────┬───────┴──────────────┘
│
│
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────┐
│ TRANSACTIONS │
│ │
│ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌───────┐│
│ │ SALES │ │PURCHASE │ │MANUFACT │ │INVENTORY│ │FINANCIAL│ │ BANK ││
│ │ SO→INV │ │ PO→Bill │ │ WO→Comp │ │ Adjust │ │ Journal │ │Deposit││
│ │ Payment │ │ Payment │ │ Assembly│ │ Transfer│ │ Interco │ │Payment││
│ │ Returns │ │ Returns │ │ │ │ Count │ │ Rev Rec │ │Reconc ││
│ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └───────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────┼───────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ INTERCOMPANY │ │ CURRENCY │ │ REVENUE │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ Linked Trans │ │ FX Conversion │ │ Recognition │
│ Eliminations │ │ Revaluation │ │ Schedules │
│ Consolidation │ │ Gain/Loss │ │ Deferred │
└─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘

Transaction Impact Summary​

Which Transactions Affect Inventory?​

TransactionInventory ImpactDirection
Item FulfillmentYesOUT
Cash SaleYesOUT
Invoice (Direct)YesOUT
Item ReceiptYesIN
Vendor Bill (Direct)YesIN
Customer ReturnYesIN
Vendor ReturnYesOUT
Work Order IssueYesOUT (components)
Work Order CompletionYesIN (finished goods)
Assembly BuildYesIN/OUT
Inventory AdjustmentYesIN or OUT
Inventory TransferYesMove between locations
Transfer Order (Fulfill)YesOUT from source
Transfer Order (Receive)YesIN to destination

Which Transactions Affect GL?​

TransactionGL ImpactCreates Liability/Asset
InvoiceYesA/R (Asset)
Cash SaleYesCash (Asset)
Customer PaymentYesClears A/R
Customer RefundYesReduces Cash
Vendor BillYesA/P (Liability)
Item ReceiptYesIRNB (Liability)
Vendor PaymentYesClears A/P
Vendor RefundYesIncreases Cash
Inventory AdjustmentYesAdjustment account
DepositYesBank account
All ManufacturingYesWIP, Variances
Expense ReportYesA/P Employee (Liability)
Expense PaymentYesClears A/P Employee
Journal EntryYesPer entry lines (any account)
Intercompany JournalYesBalances across subsidiaries
Currency RevaluationYesUnrealized FX Gain/Loss
Revenue RecognitionYesDeferred → Recognized

Flow Map Quick Reference​

Core Flows​

If You Need To...Use This Map
Track physical inventoryInventory Flow Map
Understand accounting entriesGL Flow Map
Find linked transactionsTransaction Linkage
Track money movementCash Flow Map

Specialized Flows​

If You Need To...Use This Map
Handle multi-subsidiaryIntercompany Flow
Understand rev recRevenue Flow Map

Data Conversions​

If You Need To...Use This Map
Handle foreign currencyCurrency Conversion
Work with multiple unitsUoM Conversion

Next Steps​

Start with the most relevant flow for your needs: