Module 8: Executing in Different Contexts - SuiteFlow Advanced Workflows

🎯 Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

Describe the purpose of the CONTEXTS field on the Workflow Definition page
Initiate workflows during record creation in CSV Import and User Event Script contexts
Perform on-demand processing in the Suitelet context
Execute workflow mass updates and explain when to use each type

Understanding Execution Context

Workflow execution context refers to the NetSuite function or feature used to create, view, or update a record. Records can be accessed through:

NetSuite user interface
Scripts and web services
User Event Scripts
Mass updates
CSV imports

📋 Why Use Contexts?

Configuring workflow execution in specific contexts allows you to restrict certain record processing to select contexts only. For example, run a workflow only during CSV imports but not through the UI.

CSV Import Context

Importing large numbers of records via CSV is common. You may want to initiate workflows only on records created via CSV import.

Configuration Requirements

Enable RUN SERVER SUITESCRIPT AND TRIGGER WORKFLOWS setting
Select CSV IMPORT from the CONTEXTS multi-select field on workflow definition

Two-Level Settings

Setting Location	Scope	Recommendation
CSV Import Global Preferences	All imports	Keep DISABLED
CSV Import Assistant	Per import	Enable when needed

✅ Best Practice

Disable the global CSV Import preference and enable the setting per import basis in the CSV Import Assistant. This prevents unintended workflow execution during routine imports.

User Event Script Context

User Event Scripts can create or update records programmatically. To trigger workflows only when records are modified by User Event Scripts:

Select USER EVENT from the CONTEXTS field
Ensure your User Event Script submits records (triggers Before/After Record Submit)

⚠️ Important

User Event Scripts must actually submit the record (using record.save() or similar) to trigger workflow events. Simply loading a record won't trigger workflows.

Suitelet Context

Suitelets provide on-demand processing capabilities. Use the Suitelet context when you want workflows to execute only when records are created/modified through custom Suitelet interfaces.

Use Cases

Custom data entry forms
Integration endpoints
Specialized approval interfaces
Batch processing utilities

Workflow Mass Updates

Workflow mass updates allow you to process multiple records simultaneously with running workflow instances.

Mass Update Types

Mass Update Type	Purpose
Trigger Workflow on Records	Force workflow to trigger on selected records
Update Workflow State	Move records to a specific workflow state
Reinitialize Workflow on Records	Restart workflow from beginning on selected records

Example: Force Approval

Use "Update Workflow State" mass update to move multiple pending records directly to an Approved state, bypassing normal approval flow.

💡 Navigation

Access workflow mass updates via: Lists → Mass Update → Mass Updates, then look for Workflow-related options under the record type you want to process.

Context Configuration Summary

Context	Use When	Configuration
CSV Import	Bulk data imports need workflow processing	Enable in Import Assistant + select context
User Event	Script-based record modifications	Select context on workflow definition
Suitelet	Custom interface processing	Select context on workflow definition
UI (default)	Standard user interactions	Default behavior when no context specified

🌟 Key Takeaways

Execution context = the method used to create/update records
Use CONTEXTS field to restrict workflow execution to specific contexts
CSV Import: Enable per-import, keep global setting disabled
User Event: Scripts must submit records to trigger workflows
Suitelet: For custom interface and on-demand processing
Mass Updates: Process multiple records simultaneously