In a recent implementation engagement to get off QuickBooks to adopt NetSuite, we were presented with the challenge to help our client who has a PHP eCommerce platform called xCart. xCart is similar to the popular Magento eCommerce system in that it has low cost licensing but lives stand-alone relative to entire enterprise business coordination. In due course, we will help the client move on to NetSuite eCommerce. But in the meantime, we need to get the eCommerce orders into NetSuite.
The xCart eCommerce system supports the generation of QuickBooks IIF files. One of our senior consultants, who is a strong software developer, simply parsed the QuickBooks file into the equivalent NetSuite CSV import files. This produced the key elements we needed to get eCommerce orders into NetSuite:
- New Customer Information: first import customer information. NetSuite will take care of duplicate management.
- Order information: next import the order information which will reference the imported customer information.
- Exceptions: if the eCommerce system and NetSuite do not have the same Item / SKU references, we produce exception files
Great insights, Marty! Leveraging QuickBooks IIF files as an interim solution for importing eCommerce orders into NetSuite is both practical and resourceful. Your approach of parsing IIF into NetSuite CSV imports is a smart workaround, especially for businesses in transition from QuickBooks to a more integrated ERP like NetSuite. The step-by-step method—importing customer data first, then orders, and handling SKU mismatches through exception files—shows a deep understanding of both systems. While not fully automated, it’s a reliable bridge during migration. Thanks for sharing this solution; it’s very helpful for businesses dealing with legacy platforms like xCart. Excellent work!