ANS-0758 · CSV IMPORT & DATA MIGRATION
How to Import Parent and Child Custom Records in NetSuite Using a Single CSV?
Learn how to import parent and child custom records of the same type into NetSuite using a single, structured CSV file.
Short answer
When parent and child custom records share the same record type, they can be imported using a single CSV file. This process requires structuring the CSV to import parent records first, followed by child records that reference their parents via external IDs.
Scenario
Users often seek an efficient method to import custom records that have parent-child relationships within NetSuite. The challenge arises when both parent and child instances belong to the same custom record type, and the goal is to import them simultaneously or in a streamlined manner.
Solution
When parent and child custom records are configured to use the same custom record type, they can be imported using a single CSV file in NetSuite. However, this process does not involve importing both parent and child records on a single line directly. Instead, the CSV file must be structured to facilitate the import in a specific sequence:
Import parent records first, ensuring they have unique external IDs.
Import child records in subsequent rows within the same CSV file. These child records must reference their respective parent records using the external IDs established in the first step.
This method ensures that the hierarchical relationship between the custom records is correctly established during the native NetSuite CSV import process.
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