🧩 How to Create and Use Custom Segments in NetSuite

Introduction

NetSuite’s Custom Segments feature lets you add new dimensional reporting layers beyond the default classifications like Department, Class, and Location.

With custom segments, finance teams and administrators can track and analyze data by any dimension that fits the business — such as Brand, Region, Project Type, or Channel — directly within transactions and reports.

Custom segments integrate seamlessly into GL postings, saved searches, and SuiteAnalytics, providing a flexible way to slice your financials with precision — without using complex scripts.

💡 What Are Custom Segments?

Custom Segments are user-defined classification fields that behave like NetSuite’s native dimensions. They can be added to transactions, entities, items, or custom records, and can even be configured to carry over to GL Impact automatically.

Examples:

⚙️ Prerequisites

Before creating a custom segment:

• You must have Custom Segments enabled under:
  Setup → Company → Enable Features → Accounting → Custom Segments
• You need Administrator or Full Access role.
• Familiarity with SuiteBuilder helps (fields, lists, records).

🧱 Step-by-Step: Creating a Custom Segment in NetSuite

Step 1: Navigate to Custom Segment Setup

Go to:
Customization → Lists, Records, & Fields → Segments → New

Step 2: Define Segment Properties

Step 3: Create Segment Values

1. Go to the Values subtab.
2. Add each possible option manually (e.g., Brand A, Brand B, Brand C).
3. You can also import them using CSV.
4. Save and mark as Active.

Step 4: Deploy Segment to Forms

1. Go to any Transaction Form (e.g., Sales Order).
2. Click Customize → Screen Fields.
3. Under Classification tab, you’ll now see your segment (e.g., Brand).
4. Mark it visible and optionally mandatory.
5. Save the form.

Now, your segment appears on transactions for users to select.

Step 5: Enable GL Impact Tracking

If your custom segment should affect accounting, enable GL Impact when creating it.

When selected on a transaction, the segment will:

• Flow into GL postings automatically.
• Appear in financial reports as a separate column.
• Be available in saved searches and SuiteAnalytics.

✅ Example:
When you select Brand A on a Sales Order → the revenue GL line is tagged with Brand A in the general ledger.

🧮 Example Use Case: Brand-Level P&L Reporting

Business Scenario:
Your company sells multiple brands and wants separate income statements per brand.

Solution:

1. Create a Custom Segment = Brand.
2. Enable GL Impact.
3. Add segment to all sales and expense transactions.
4. Run Financial Report → Income Statement → Filter by Brand.

Result:
Now you can see profit & loss per brand — without needing separate subsidiaries or departments.

🔄 Integrating Custom Segments with Other Features

🧰 Example SuiteScript Usage

// SuiteScript 2.x example: reading segment value
define(['N/record', 'N/log'], (record, log) => {
    function afterSubmit(ctx) {
        const rec = ctx.newRecord;
        const brandSegment = rec.getValue('custsegment_brand');
        log.debug('Brand Segment Selected:', brandSegment);
    }
    return { afterSubmit };
});

Use case: Automatically adjust pricing or account mapping based on selected segment.

📊 Reporting with Custom Segments

Custom segments automatically appear in:

• Financial Reports → Income Statement / Balance Sheet
• Saved Searches
• SuiteAnalytics Workbook datasets

You can filter or group results by your new dimension to produce detailed P&L breakdowns, sales by region, or departmental costs.

🧠 Best Practices

• Keep segment values under 1000 records for best performance.
• Avoid creating too many GL-impact segments (can slow posting).
• Use hierarchical segments (Parent/Child) for grouping.
• Lock segment values to prevent accidental edits.
• Test in Sandbox before deploying in Production.

🧩 Common Issues and Solutions

📚 Related Tutorials

• 👉 Custom GL Lines Plug-in in NetSuite
• 👉 Building Workflows with SuiteFlow
• 👉 SuiteAnalytics Workbook for Custom Reporting

❓ FAQ

Q1. Are custom segments available in all NetSuite editions?
Yes, but GL Impact segments are available only in OneWorld and Advanced Accounting editions.

Q2. How many custom segments can I create?
Up to 25 segments, but only 3 GL-impact segments are typically recommended for performance.

Q3. Can I rename or delete a custom segment?
You can rename it safely, but deleting it can break historical data references.

Q4. Do custom segments appear in CSV imports?
Yes, if you include the internal ID or name in your CSV template.

🧭 Summary

Custom Segments in NetSuite empower finance and operations teams to extend dimensional reporting beyond the defaults.
They help track brands, channels, or markets, bringing clarity and control to your financial analytics — all without scripting or heavy customization.