This article applies if you can see a field on a NetSuite record in the UI, but ExtendInsights for Data Management throws an error when you try to set or update that field from Excel.
Error Message
You do not have permissions to set a value for the element <field> due to the following reason:
1. The field is read-only
2. An associated feature is disabled
3. The field is available either when a record is created or updated but not in both cases
Why This Happens
ExtendInsights updates records through NetSuite SuiteTalk (SOAP Web Services). In SOAP, a field can fail to update even if you can see it in the NetSuite UI.
Common causes:
The field is not on your role’s default form
NetSuite form configuration can control whether a field is exposed for SOAP updates in your role context.The field is UI-visible but not writable via SOAP
Some fields are computed, system-controlled, or only writable during certain lifecycle events.A required NetSuite feature is actually disabled
The UI may still show related fields, but SOAP rejects updates unless the corresponding feature is enabled.The field is only valid on Create or Update (not both)
Example: fields that can only be set when creating a record, or fields that cannot be modified after creation.
Solution
Identify which Custom Form you use in NetSuite for that record type
Open the record in NetSuite UI.
Confirm the form name (Custom Form) used when viewing/editing that record.
Add Custom Form to your ExtendInsights template
Open the template (or edit the existing template).
Add the field Custom Form to the template fields.
Save the template.
Reload the template on a blank worksheet
Load the updated template onto a new/blank worksheet (loading clears the active sheet).
Download/reload the record(s) again.
Retry the update
Set the Custom Form value in the sheet to the form that contains the field you are updating.
Upload again.
If the error disappears after setting the correct Custom Form, the issue was form-based availability.
Admin Steps (If the issue persists)
Confirm the field is present and enabled on the intended form
Ensure the field is placed on the form and not hidden by display rules.
Confirm the field is not marked read-only on that form for the role.
Confirm role permissions and field-level access
Validate the role has the appropriate record permissions.
If the field is custom, ensure the role has required permissions to view/edit the custom field definitions (as needed).
Validate whether the field is SOAP-writable
Some fields cannot be set via SOAP even with correct forms/permissions.
If unsure, capture the field ID and record type and send to Support for validation.
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