You can add columns to an ExtendInsights table that are not mapped to NetSuite. These are called unbound columns. For example, you might use an unbound column as the basis for a formula that calculates another value in the table.
Unbound values remain in the table after an Upload operation. During Reload, ExtendInsights rebuilds the table using the latest records returned from NetSuite. As a result, values and formulas in unbound columns may not be preserved.
Behavior by Field Type
Content in an unbound column | Behavior during Reload |
Static text or values | Replaced with null |
Formula | Expected to remain if the entire Excel column is formatted as General. If only the table cells are formatted, Reload may change the format back to Text, and you may need to reapply General. |
Why Unbound Values Aren’t Matched to Refreshed Records
During Reload, ExtendInsights retrieves the current records from NetSuite and rebuilds the table. It cannot reliably determine which unbound value belongs with each returned record.
For example, a table might contain 100 records, and 10 may be deleted during an Upload operation. A later Reload returns 90 records. Because the rows have changed, values in unbound columns might no longer align with the correct records.
Preserve Formula Behavior
If you use formulas in an unbound column:
Select the entire Excel column, such as
B:B.Set its number format to General.
Use the column for your formulas.
Formatting only the cells inside the table may not be sufficient. After a Reload, check the column’s format. If Excel shows the formula as text or the formula no longer behaves as expected, reapply General formatting to the entire column.
Key Takeaway
Use unbound columns for calculations or supporting information with care. Uploads retain their values after the upsert completes, but Reload rebuilds the table from NetSuite records and may clear static values in unbound columns. For formulas, format the entire Excel column as General and verify the format after a Reload.