A Custom Segment is a way to organize records in NetSuite. NetSuite natively uses three main methods for classification: Class, Department, and Location. If you ever need to organize records with an additional (and highly customizable) method, this handy tool may be just what you’re looking for.
When a Custom Segment is created and applied to a certain record type, it will appear on those records just like any other custom List/Record or Multi-select field. The benefit, however, is that you will be able to more easily organize your records by this Custom Segment.
How to Create a Custom Segment
First, assuming you have Administrator access, ensure your NetSuite instance has Custom Segments enabled by going to SETUP >> COMPANY >> ENABLE FEATURES. Under the “SuiteGL” heading, you will find the option to enable or disable them.
Once enabled, you can create a new one by going to CUSTOMIZATION >> LISTS, RECORDS, AND FIELDS >> CUSTOM SEGMENTS >> NEW.
Primary Settings
Label and ID
The first thing to do is create a label. This label must be unique (there can be no duplicate labels). You can also optionally create a custom ID. Be sure to add an underscore to the beginning since NetSuite automatically attaches a prefix (“cseg”) to the ID you enter. A good rule of thumb is to simply put the label you entered as the ID. For example, if you create a Custom Segment called “Channel,” you can simply put “_channel” as the ID.
Type
There are two types of Custom Segments that you can create— List/Record and Multiple Select. Your new segment will be a List/Record type by default.
GL Impact
One of the most significant options is the “GL Impact” checkbox. Before you check the box, ask yourself, “Does this have any impact on the General Ledger?” If this Custom Segment is not financial in nature and is not needed on the GL, we highly recommend leaving this unchecked. There is unfortunately no way to uncheck this box after creating a Custom Segment. Also, if the Custom Segment is viewed by NetSuite as having a “GL Impact,” you will not be able to populate it on locked records in closed periods.
For More Help: If you have any other questions about certain settings on the Custom Segment page, click the HELP button on the top right of your screen. NetSuite will take you directly to the help page where you can find detailed information about most settings.
Settings in the Subtabs
There are two primary tabs that are especially important as you create your Custom Segment—Values and Applications and Sourcing.
Values
This is where you create your select options. The two Types—List/Record and Multiple Select—both need a specified list of options that the user can select from. When values are set in this subtab, the user will be able to select an option from the field on a record.
You can also create parent and children options in this list. You can make any of the values you specify a parent.
Applications and Sourcing
Here, you can select which records the Custom Segment will appear on. On the Transactions subtab, if you select the “Sales Transactions,” the following records will show the Custom Segment at the body-level:
- Cash Sale
- Estimate
- Sales Order
- Cash Refund
- Credit Memo
- Invoice
- Revenue Arrangement
- Revenue Commitment Reversal
- Revenue Commitment
- Revenue Contract
- Request For Quote
- Return Authorization
- Vendor Request For Quote
- Store Pickup Fulfillment
The “Purchase Transactions” checkbox will show the Custom Segment on the following records:
- Blanket Purchase Order
- Credit Card
- CCard Refund
- Check
- Purchase Contract
- Purchase Order
- Requisition
- Vendor Return Authorization
- Bill
- Bill Credit
You can also select additional record types on the list that displays below those options.
On the Transaction Columns subtab, you can specify which transaction record will display the Custom Segment at the line-level. After navigating there, you will see similar options to the Transactions subtab.
The other subtabs will show similar options for various record types.
How to Delete a Custom Segment
Conclusion
Custom Segments are an incredibly versatile feature for organizing records in NetSuite. Although many aspects of these tools are self-explanatory, there are some significant things to note as you begin exploring their potential.
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