This article is relevant for those implementing a custom NetSuite Mass Update.

Background

The Mass Update feature has been a staple of NetSuite since the platform’s inception. Our firm usually utilizes Map/Reduce functions due to their multi-threading capabilities and scalability. However, Mass Updates remain helpful for their straightforward interface, similar to a NetSuite saved search, for performing actions on targeted records.

For over a decade, I’ve observed a minor but persistent anomaly in the Mass Update user interface. It’s likely been there longer, but I remember discovering it a decade or so ago.  I believe it’s important to document this issue and reference this article in a NetSuite Support Case.  Given the anomaly’s minor impact, it’s likely that the Oracle NetSuite team may not prioritize its resolution due to its relatively low impact and nature as more of an inconvenience.  It’s good to simply get it on the table.

Issue with Custom Mass Updates Not Appearing in the Expected Category

This discussion presumes familiarity with deploying a custom mass update, essentially a script capable of processing a record ID provided by the Mass Update interface. At Prolecto Resources, we’ve developed a suite of utilities free of licensing fees for our clients. A frequent need is to “touch” a record to trigger its embedded business logic.

Our Custom Mass Update, “PRI UTIL Touch,” is designed for use with any scriptable NetSuite record. For instance, while preparing an article on 1099 reporting, I needed to update several “Vendor” records. This “PRI UTIL Touch” script has already been deployed to the “Vendor Bill” records. A new deployment of the same script was necessary to make the “Vendor” records available to the Custom Mass Update. It was all straightforward. 

Anticipating the persistent complication for over a decade, I proceeded cautiously. After the successful deployment, when accessing the Custom Updates section of the Mass Update list, no functions appeared under the “Vendor” category.  There is the issue! Interestingly, the function was listed under “Vendor Credit,” a category for which I had deployed a completely different Custom Mass Update.  I speculated that they would have appeared under the “Vendor Bill” because I saw it coming.

For a more precise understanding, click on the included images.

Issue with Custom Mass Update Naming Conventions

The issue seems to stem from the use of the term “Vendor” in “Vendor Bill” and “Vendor Credit.”  When NetSuite compiles the list of available functions for Mass Updates, there appears to be a glitch in categorizing functions based on record type due to overlapping string names. Likely, the NetSuite Product Development Team hasn’t implemented stringent checks to prevent this confusion.

Engaging NetSuite Support for the UI Glitch

The logical step is to report this anomaly to NetSuite Support. However, this entails challenges. Engaging with support might require multiple meetings to fully convey the issue, with no guarantee of a resolution; it might end up as just an enhancement request that may never get resolved. Given the time and effort involved, and because I am working hard to balance commitments to clients and staff, the cost-benefit ratio of pursuing this with NetSuite Support is not favorable.

To lower those perceived costs, I will see if I can create a NetSuite Support Request and reference this article as a learning opportunity.

Addendum

I have crafted a NetSuite Support Case (#5635877).  My strategy appears to have worked to keep reporting costs low.  Within two hours, NetSuite Support reported back with Defect #759844.  The standard message offered, “The urgency level assigned to your defect is U5. If a product change is required, the NetSuite Product teams will target resolution in an upcoming E-Fix release.  based on our recent defect resolution performance, 50% of U5 issues were resolved within 2 E-fix releases, and 80% within 3 E-Fix releases.”

If the defect gets resolved, I will update the article.

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Marty Zigman

Holding all three official certifications, Marty is regarded as the top NetSuite expert and leads a team of senior professionals at Prolecto Resources, Inc. He is a former Deloitte & Touche CPA and has held CTO roles. For over 30 years, Marty has produced leadership in ERP, CRM and eCommerce business systems. Contact Marty to set up a conversation.

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