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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
NetSuite’s CSV export limitation flattens hierarchical data because flat file formats cannot represent parent-child relationships, stripping away the organizational structure that defines your business hierarchy.
Here’s how to preserve tree structure programmatically and maintain relational data integrity without relying on CSV exports.
Bypass CSV limitations with API-based tree structure preservation
Coefficient provides programmatic NetSuite tree structure preservation through its API-based connection that maintains relational data integrity. Unlike CSV exports that strip relationship data, Coefficient’s API connection preserves the actual NetSuite field relationships.
How to make it work
Step 1. Use Records & Lists to access hierarchical fields.
Import your organizational data using Coefficient’s Records & Lists method, making sure to include hierarchical fields like Parent Department or Parent Location that CSV exports omit entirely. This captures the relationship data alongside the record data.
Step 2. Import relationship data programmatically.
Configure your import to preserve tree structure connections programmatically by selecting all parent-child relationship fields. Set up automated refresh schedules that programmatically update the tree structure without manual CSV re-exports.
Step 3. Reconstruct tree structure with spreadsheet formulas.
Use the imported relationship data to programmatically reconstruct indentation levels, create hierarchical sorting, or build tree-view displays. Formulas like `=REPT(” “, LEVEL*3) & DEPARTMENT_NAME` can create visual indentation based on hierarchy depth.
Step 4. Advanced control with SuiteQL queries.
For advanced programmatic control, write SuiteQL queries that explicitly define hierarchy levels using CASE statements and parent field references. This approach completely bypasses NetSuite’s data flattening limitations while providing programmatic control over tree structure display.
Maintain programmatic control over your organizational data
This programmatic approach eliminates CSV export limitations entirely while giving you complete control over how tree structures appear in your final dataset. Start preserving your hierarchical data programmatically today.
