Integrations
To connect NetSuite with 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 common way to move small or 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. You can add or update many records at one time, so you don't have to enter them manually.
You can use the Import Assistant for most CSV data imports. The assistant steps you through the process and verifies each step. When you're done, you can run the import right away or save it to run later.
If you save an import, you can reuse its mapping for future jobs and share it with others. You can also import CSV data programmatically using that mapping. For SuiteScript 2.1, use N/task Module.
For large or ongoing data migration projects, and for migrating data for record types that CSV import doesn't support, use SOAP web services.
For more information, see the following topics.
SuiteTalk SOAP Web Services
SOAP web services lets you access to your NetSuite data and business processes through a SOAP-based API. SOAP web services is appropriate when 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.
There are also tools available to help you develop PHP applications that interface to SOAP web services. The NetSuite PHP toolkit for SOAP web services is a core library with all classes, objects, and methods from the WSDL of a SOAP web services endpoint.
The SOAP Schema Browser shows 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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Unlike 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 can't be accessed without authentication, letting you control which external clients can use it. External clients can authenticate with 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.