When using the “Sub-item of” field in inventory records, item names can become unnecessarily long, making it difficult to view and organize purchase orders. When there is a sub-item of, the PO Item name format would be < Parent item name: Sub item name>.
Below is a sample of an Item line in Purchase Order record: The red box indicates the parent item; the blue box indicated the sub-item being ordered in the Purchase Order.
Users may opt to remove the “Sub-item of” from inventory records, and it can be done through CSV import, which is a convenient way for businesses with a large number of items to update.
Here are the steps to remove the “Sub-item of” through a CSV import in NetSuite:
1. Create a CSV file containing two columns namely: Internal ID and Subitem Of. (Input the Internal ID of the item and for the Subitem Of, kindly leave it blank.)
2. Save the CSV template
3. Navigate to Setup > Import / Export > Import CSV records
4. Import Type = Items
5. Record Type = Inventory Items
6. Upload the file
7. Hit Next
8. On the Import Options, set the data handling = Update
9. Click the Advanced Options and put a check mark next to “Overwrite Missing fields”
10. Hit Next
11. Map the file for Internal ID and Subitem Of
12. Hit Next
13. Place an import map name and hit next
14. Click import job status and wait till it finishes
With the “Sub-item of” removed from the inventory records, purchase order item names will be shortened. Note, however, that the items involved will become a totally independent item from its parent.
In addition to improved clarity in purchase orders, removing the “Sub-item of” through a CSV import can also streamline other processes in your NetSuite account. For example, it can make it easier to search for items, view item details, and generate reports.