Importing multi-select fields via CSV can be a challenging task when you have multiple entries. This guide walks you through how to manage these imports successfully in NetSuite.
One of the challenges with CSV imports lies in dealing with multi-select fields containing several entries. The documentation for NetSuite isn't very comprehensive, so this guide aims to clarify the process to ensure success every time you import.
Multi-Select Fields Overwrite Existing Values
When you import multi-select fields, they replace any existing values in that field rather than appending to them.
Important Note: If you update a multi-select field in NetSuite, it will replace any previous entries. Therefore, your CSV must include all necessary data (including any earlier selections for the multi-select field).
For example, if "Surgery Center" is in your multi-select field and you perform a CSV import that adds "Infusion Center" and "Wound Care," the resulting field after import will only show "Infusion Center" and "Wound Care," as "Surgery Center" has been overwritten.
Understanding NetSuite CSV Import Delimiters
The standard delimiter for multi-select entries in CSV imports is a pipe (|) character. If you wish to use a different delimiter, this can be adjusted through the advanced options while setting up your CSV import.
Multi-select entries with a single value do not need a delimiter.
For more than one value, use the specified delimiter (with pipe being the default).
Ensure there are no additional spaces surrounding the delimiter and the values.
Correct format: “Infusion Center|Surgery Center” NOT “Infusion Center | Surgery Center.”
Spaces within the individual values are acceptable since they don't act as delimiters. For instance, “Surgery Center” counts as a single entry for the multi-select field. However, having extra spaces between the delimiter and the values can lead to a failed import. This is a common oversight when dealing with multi-select fields.
Addressing Typos and Misspellings in CSV Imports
Every value listed in the multi-select field of the CSV must correspond with an actual value within NetSuite. If not, the CSV import will be unsuccessful.
For instance, use “Infusion Center” instead of misspelling it as “Infuson Center.”
