Understanding Matrix Items in NetSuite
Matrix items in NetSuite are inventory products that enable tracking of various product variations, such as different sizes and color combinations.
Additionally, matrix items offer an intuitive user interface on SuiteCommerce Product Detail Pages (PDPs). However, businesses utilizing NetSuite must acquire Advanced Inventory to fully leverage matrix items, which has often been viewed as a hindrance.
Recommended Techniques for Creating Matrix Items in NetSuite
Creating matrix items can include numerous details and may result in hundreds, or even thousands, of child items. Thus, it’s crucial to navigate the process with care while establishing matrix items and their associated fields and options.
It’s advisable to proceed slowly with the creation of matrix items instead of deleting multiple child items and starting over.
Despite my extensive experience in building matrix items, I find it beneficial to refer to the outlined steps below as quick reference guides when creating matrix items. Adhering closely to these instructions will help ensure a seamless process.
I highly recommend developing a subset of the matrix items in a sandbox environment before finalizing the complete matrix. This practice allows you to successfully follow the necessary creation steps for matrix items.
Prerequisites for NetSuite Matrix Items
Before you start on matrix items, several records or fields must be created, and here's why:
Custom Lists - Custom lists are utilized to create a list of available matrix item options. You need to create a separate list for each option. For instance, if you sell T-shirts in various sizes and colors, separate lists for size and color options are required.
Custom Item Fields - These fields are employed on your item records to select available options from your custom lists.
Custom Transaction Item Options - These options integrate the created item matrix into the product details page (PDP).
How to Create a Custom List in NetSuite
As highlighted earlier, the initial step in establishing a matrix item in NetSuite involves creating any custom item lists you may need. Start by navigating to Customization > List, Records, & Fields > Lists > New.
Step 1: Input a name for your custom list in the Name field.
Step 2: Choose the custom list Owner from the list; only the designated owner can modify this record.
Step 3: Provide a Description for this list.
Step 4: Select whether to display these options in Alphabetical Order or in the Order Entered.
Step 5: Tick the Matrix Option List box to indicate that this list pertains to an item matrix.
Step 6: Click the Values subtab and complete the following:
In the Value column, enter the first value for your list.
In the Abbreviation column, include an abbreviation for this value.
Tick the Inactive box if you don't want this to appear in lists.
Click Add.
Continue adding values and translations as needed.
Step 7: Once you've completed this, click Save.
Repeat these procedures for each list of options concerning your matrix items. For example, here’s a list utilized by one of the item options for the matrix item.
After creating your list of options, you must also establish a custom item field for each list.
Establishing Custom Item Fields in NetSuite
The subsequent step in creating a matrix item involves setting up a custom item field in NetSuite. Start by navigating to Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Item Fields > New.
Step 1: In the Label field, enter the name of one of the custom lists you created for this item matrix.
Step 2: Select the custom item field Owner from the list; only this owner can edit this record.
Step 3: Provide a Description for this custom field.
Step 4: Check the Matrix Option box to indicate this field is designated for matrix items. The Type field will automatically default to Multiple Select, and the Subtab field will be set to Matrix.
Step 5: Choose the Type of field you wish to create.
Step 6: Select your custom list in the List/Record field.
Note: The Store Value box will automatically be marked. If you want the information entered in this custom field to be displayed only without being stored in your account, you may uncheck it.
Step 7: Mark the Show In List box to have your custom item field visible in your items list.
Step 8: To index this custom field for global search purposes, check the Global Search box.
Step 9: If you are creating a List/Record custom field, mark the Record is Parent box to define that the selected record type is a parent record.
Step 10: Click the Applies To subtab and check the boxes next to the items to which you want to apply this field.
Step 11: Ensure all fields are accurate, then click Save.
Don't forget to repeat these steps for each list of options necessary for your matrix items!
Setting Up Custom Transaction Item Options in NetSuite
The next step is to configure custom transaction item options. To see what options are available in your account and to determine if a new item option is required, navigate to Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Transaction Item Options.
Step 1: If no transaction item option aligns with your needs, click New in the header to start creating a new one.
Step 2: Enter a Label and ID in the appropriate fields.
Step 3: In the Type field, select List/Record. Then, choose the name of your custom list in the List/Record field.
Step 4: Ensure that the Store Value box is checked.
Step 5: Within the Applies To subtab, mark the boxes for Purchase, Sale, Opportunity, Web Store, Transfer Order, and Apply to Kit/Assembly Component. These options determine the transaction types applicable to the item.
Step 6: In the Items field, enter the items for which you want to apply this option. Any custom options will be displayed on the PDP for each item listed here.
Recommended Practice: Avoid checking the All Items box, even if it applies to all items currently in your webstore. This setting would apply it automatically to future items added to your site. Remember that you can modify this transaction item option later to add or remove items from the list.
Step 7: Go to the Sourcing & Filtering subtab.
Step 8: In the Source List field, select Item.
Step 9: In the Source From field, select your custom item field.
Step 10: Conduct a quick check of all your fields, then click Save.
Once you've created your custom lists and item fields, you'll be set to create your item matrix.
Manually Creating Matrix Items in NetSuite
To set up a matrix item manually in NetSuite, navigate to Lists > Accounting > Items and click the Matrix Item Assistant. Then, follow the matrix item assistant to complete these steps:
Step 1: Fill out the necessary information for the matrix item, including the item name, description, tax schedule, and price. Ensure that the 'Display in Website' checkbox is checked and the 'Store Display Name' field is filled.
Step 2: If you've been following along, you can select the list created earlier. Alternatively, you can utilize another existing list or return to the start of this article for creating a new options list.
Step 3: Name your list and define its properties. Creating multiple new lists is an option.
Step 4: Next, choose property combinations. The most effective method is to select the specific list of options for the children. This will automatically generate the Matrix Item Name Template.
Step 5: From there, you can choose the specific child items created, which is beneficial for crafting a subset to practice building further matrix items.
Completing these steps would be a good time to adjust inventory levels, especially when establishing test matrix items.
Note: Depending on how many item options are selected, you could end up creating hundreds or even thousands of child items. Exercise extra caution while selecting item options.
Displaying Matrix Items on SuiteCommerce
Step 1: Showcasing Matrix Items on the Site. After completing the above setup, your parent matrix item should appear on the site.
Step 2: It's advisable to fill in these additional fields:
Webstore Tab: Page Title, Detailed Description
Custom Tab: Item Options (Using the matrix item wizard can auto-populate these. However, if you add these items via CSV or manually, fill in this field accurately with the right Item Options.)
Step 3: Ensure to include item options in the configuration record by navigating to Commerce > Websites > Configuration > Select your website > Advanced > Item Options.
Keep in mind the item options' IDs, which can be located at Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Transaction Item Options.
Add your options and configure them according to requirements. While this is the standard layout, alternative selector templates can also be utilized if preferred.
Step 4: Set up your options as needed; the standard layout’s practices can apply here as well.
Do note that a matrix item itself is not a physical entity. Rather, it represents multiple child items; thus, you need to create corresponding child items that make up the matrix for accurate inventory tracking.
Importing NetSuite Matrix Items
Before beginning the item import process, a detailed CSV template file for your item data is essential.
As you create this template, consider the field mapping you’ll need in place. Here’s an example field mapping setup that can guide you:
For each unique option on a matrix item (like color or size), an item option must be created. These should be set up as Transaction Item Options, ensuring Sale, Purchase, and Web Store are all selected.
The sourcing and filtering for these item options should correspond to a custom list that you create:
For instance, if you’re importing, you’ll need to create/import these lists before importing the matrix items. Examples of these lists could be:
Colors:
Red
Blue
Green
Once the matrix items are established, they must also be included in the configuration on the Item Options subtab within the Advanced tab.
