ExtendInsights for Data Management identifies NetSuite records primarily using Internal ID. For best results, include both Internal ID and External ID in your template:
Internal ID is the main unique key ExtendInsights uses to update existing records.
External ID is optional, and is used when your organization wants a business-defined identifier to be stored on the NetSuite record (often for integrations, migrations, or cross-system matching).
When You’d Use External ID
Use External ID when your organization needs a consistent identifier on the NetSuite record, such as:
Matching records to an external system (CRM, billing platform, data warehouse)
Supporting migrations where legacy IDs must be retained
Enforcing a company-wide “source system ID” stored directly in NetSuite
How ExtendInsights Chooses What to Update
ExtendInsights applies a clear precedence rule:
If Internal ID is present, ExtendInsights updates the record using Internal ID.
If Internal ID is not present but External ID is present, ExtendInsights updates using External ID (or creates a new record if no match is found).
How to Use Internal ID + External ID
Load or build your ExtendInsights template for the record type.
Add both fields to the template:
Internal ID
External ID
Use the template as follows:
For updates: keep the Internal ID populated (do not edit it).
For new records: leave Internal ID blank, and optionally populate External ID if your org requires it.
Upload using Upload to NetSuite > Upload Records.
Upload Behavior (Internal ID vs External ID)
Internal ID in sheet | External ID in sheet | ExtendInsights behavior during Upload |
Yes | Yes | Updates based on Internal ID. If the External ID value in Excel differs from the value currently stored in NetSuite, ExtendInsights updates the NetSuite record’s External ID to match Excel. |
Yes | No | Updates based on Internal ID. |
No | Yes | Updates based on External ID. If no record exists in NetSuite with that External ID, ExtendInsights creates a new record, NetSuite assigns a new Internal ID, and the External ID is saved on the new record. |
No | No | Creates a new record and NetSuite assigns a new Internal ID. |
What to Expect
After upload:
A successful upload typically returns the Internal ID (often highlighted as a success indicator).
If your workflow depends on External ID:
Open the record in NetSuite and confirm the External ID field contains the expected value, or
Reload the record in ExtendInsights and confirm the identifier fields match.
Need Help?
If you need assistance during go-live or rollout:
🔍 Visit the Help Center: https://www.cloudextend.io/support/
💬 Use the in-app chat (bottom-right of the support site)
✉️ Email cloudextend-support@celigo.com