Integrations
To integrate NetSuite with information from other systems, you can use:
For a comparison of integration options, see RESTlets vs. Other NetSuite Integration Options.
CSV Import
Comma-Separated Value (CSV) import is the most commonly used method for transferring small to medium-sized data sets from other applications into NetSuite. The CSV import process saves time and prevents errors by submitting data in a CSV file. This data can add or update many records at one time, avoiding the need for manual data entry.
You can use the Import Assistant for most CSV data imports. The assistant steps you through the import process and provides verification of each step. After you complete the steps, you can run the import immediately or save the import to run later.
If you save an import, you can reuse its mapping for later import jobs and share it with other users. You can also programmatically import CSV file data using that mapping. For SuiteScript 2.0, use N/task Module.
For large or ongoing data migration projects, and for migrating data for record types not currently supported for CSV import, use SOAP web services.
For more information, see the following topics.
SuiteTalk SOAP Web Services
SOAP web services provides programmatic access to your NetSuite data and business processes through a SOAP-based services API. SOAP web services is appropriate for integration scenarios where you regularly need to bring large amounts of data into NetSuite or send large amounts of data out of NetSuite.
As with any SOAP-based API, you can develop your integration using the language of your choice. Oracle NetSuite provides sample applications in C# and Java.
In addition, tools are available to assist in the development of PHP applications that interface to the SOAP web services platform. The NetSuite PHP toolkit for SOAP web services is a core library containing all classes, objects and methods parsed from the WSDL of a SOAP web services endpoint.
The SOAP Schema Browser provides a summary of all records, sublists, and other objects available in SOAP web services.
For more information, see the following topics.
SuiteTalk REST Web Services
The NetSuite REST web services provide an integration channel that extends the capabilities of SuiteTalk. REST web services provide a REST-based interface for interacting with NetSuite.
The main benefits of REST web services include the following:
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Access to records metadata, including user and company-specific metadata. For more information about working with records metadata, see Working with Resource Metadata.
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Effective handling of custom records and custom fields.
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Understandable API navigation.
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In contrast to RESTlets, you do not need to write, deploy, and run custom scripts.
For more information, see the following topics.
RESTlets
The RESTlet script type lets you create custom logic and make it available to external applications over HTTP. The RESTful integration supports stateless communication between client and server.
A RESTlet deployed in your account cannot be accessed without authentication, letting you control which external clients can access your RESTlet. External clients can authenticate using token-based authentication in the HTTP header. Any application that can communicate over HTTP can access a RESTlet. RESTlet requests can also be sent with JSON, which integrates well with browsers and JavaScript.
RESTlets offer ease of adoption for developers familiar with SuiteScript. A RESTlet provides you with a broad range of behavior – you can use anything that can be achieved with server-side SuiteScript. RESTlets are also more secure than Suitelets, which can be made available to users without login. For more information, see the following topics.