To create, update, and maintain NetSuite records efficiently using ExtendInsights, we recommend following the best practices below. These guidelines help improve performance, reduce errors, and ensure a smooth experience when working with NetSuite data in Excel.
✅ Tip 1: Review NetSuite Permissions and Prerequisites
Before users begin working in ExtendInsights, confirm that their NetSuite roles are configured correctly.
In NetSuite, go to Setup → Users/Roles → Manage Roles.
Edit the role used with ExtendInsights.
Ensure the following permissions are enabled and set appropriately:
SOAP Web Services
User Access Tokens
➡️ Refer to the setup guide to confirm all required permissions are in place.
✅ Tip 2 - Install the performance bundle in NetSuite
Install the CloudExtend Excel Data Management for NetSuite bundle to unlock advanced features and configuration options.
The bundle enables customization through NetSuite custom records and settings.
It also supports performance optimizations and additional capabilities.
➡️ Learn how to install the ExtendInsights NetSuite bundle and why it’s important.
✅ Tip 3: Build a Well-Structured Template
Good templates lead to faster uploads and fewer errors.
Template design best practices:
Review the NetSuite form for the record type you’re working with.
Understand which fields are header-level and line-level.
Include all mandatory fields.
Use NetSuite field IDs when building templates.
Ensure user roles have permission to view any custom fields.
💡 Tip:
Place all header fields at the top of the template and line-level fields below.
When creating records with multiple lines, rows with identical header fields will be treated as a single record.
✅ Tip 4: Validate Data Before Uploading
Recommended practices:
Use Cell Operations (Picklists) for NetSuite list fields.
This inserts the NetSuite internal ID automatically behind the scenes.When possible, use internal IDs directly in the format:
[[12345]]If using formulas or copied data, ensure the result includes the internal ID in the same format.
Do not hide rows or columns in the active worksheet—hidden data is still processed during uploads.
✅ Tip 5: Share Templates with Your Team
Templates do not need to be rebuilt by every user.
Best practices for sharing:
Have an Admin create standardized templates for each record type.
Share or distribute templates to other ExtendInsights users.
Store templates in a central template library for reuse.
✅ Tip 6: Use Background Upload for Large Data Sets (Enterprise Only)
For large uploads or multiple concurrent jobs, use Background Upload (also known as burst mode).
Use Background Upload when:
Uploading thousands of lines or records
(e.g., 5,000-line Sales Orders or 10,000-line Journal Entries)Running multiple ExtendInsights jobs at the same time
Benefits:
Continue working in Excel while uploads run
Close Excel without interrupting the upload
View upload status the next time you open the workbook
✅ Tip 7: Maximize Performance by Reviewing Scripts and Workflows
NetSuite workflows and scripts can impact upload performance.
Many workflows are designed to run only in the NetSuite UI.
If workflows or scripts also run in SOAP Web Services context, they may execute for every record uploaded via ExtendInsights.
This can significantly slow down bulk uploads.
💡 Best practice:
Work with your NetSuite Admin or developer to determine whether workflows or scripts can exclude SOAP Web Services execution when appropriate.
✅ Tip 8: Track NetSuite Usage Metrics
You can track ExtendInsights activity in NetSuite by creating saved searches that report on:
Number of records created
Number of records updated
Number of records deleted
These metrics help measure adoption and audit data changes.
Summary
Following these best practices will help you:
Improve upload performance
Reduce data errors
Standardize templates across teams
Scale bulk data operations safely
ExtendInsights is most powerful when paired with thoughtful preparation and consistent processes.
Need Help?
If you have questions about templates, permissions, or performance:
🔍 Visit the Help Center: https://www.cloudextend.io/support/
💬 Use the in-app chat
✉️ Email cloudextend-support@celigo.com
📎 Screenshots and template examples are always helpful when contacting Support.