Overview
While many NetSuite developers use SDF for deploying scripts, workflows, and records, Custom Segments are often overlooked. Custom Segments extend the standard classification structure in NetSuite—beyond departments, classes, and locations—and SDF supports their full lifecycle: definition, deployment, and updates.
What are Custom Segments?
Custom Segments are user-defined classification fields that act like native dimensions. They can be made mandatory, filterable, or even accessible in transactions and reports. Unlike custom fields, segments can be hierarchical, shareable across record types, and tied to GL postings.
SDF + Custom Segments = Deployable Dimensions
SDF lets you :
Define a custom segment in XML (customsegment object).
- Set properties like GL impact, searchability, filters, etc.
- Deploy it programmatically, alongside your SuiteScript or SuiteApp project.
- Maintain version control of business classifications across environments.
Example Use Cases
- Deploy a Region segment across subsidiaries in one go.
- Package Product Line or Brand Category as part of a SuiteApp.
- Maintain consistent Reporting Segments in sandbox and production.
SDF Benefits for Segments
- Full version control of segment changes.
- Avoids manual recreation in UI.
- Speeds up deployment across accounts.
- Can be bundled with roles, permissions, and script logic.