ANS-0940 · INVENTORY & ITEM MANAGEMENT
Can Existing Standard Items Be Converted to NetSuite Matrix Items?
While direct conversion is not supported, existing standard items can be associated as child items with a new matrix parent to manage product variations.
Short answer
Direct conversion of a standard item to a matrix item in NetSuite is not possible due to distinct item types. However, existing standard items can be associated as child items with a newly created matrix parent. For efficiency, an export and re-import process can be utilized. To maintain historical data, deactivate old items and link them to new matrix items via a custom field.
Scenario
Users often inquire about the possibility of converting existing standard inventory items into matrix items within NetSuite. This scenario typically arises when a business needs to introduce variations (e.g., size, color) for an existing product and wishes to leverage NetSuite's matrix item functionality without recreating all product data from scratch.
Solution
Direct conversion of a standard item to a matrix item is not supported in NetSuite, as these are distinct item types. However, existing standard items can be associated as child items with a newly created matrix parent item.To manage this transition efficiently and preserve historical data:
Create New Matrix Parent Items
Begin by creating the new matrix parent items that will encompass the variations.
Associate Existing Standard Items
Existing standard items can then be associated as child items under the newly created matrix parent.
Utilize Export/Re-import for Efficiency
For a large number of items, an export of relevant item data followed by a re-import can streamline the process of setting up new matrix items and their child variations.
Maintain Historical Data
To ensure continuity of historical transaction data, it is recommended to:
- Deactivate the old standard items.
- Add a custom field to the new matrix item records.
- Link the new matrix item to its corresponding old item type using this custom field.
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