how can I do a global search by external id

AI generated answer (using internal Slack threads):

****** Disclaimer: This response was generated by an artificial intelligence assistant based on previous conversations from multiple Slack channels, and may contain inaccuracies or mistakes. ****** In NetSuite, you cannot directly use the Global Search bar to search using External IDs. However, there are a few workarounds you can consider: 1. Saved Search: Create a saved search that has an on-demand filter for External ID. You can put this on your dashboard for easy access. However, this won't appear in the Global Search bar. 2. Custom Field: Create a custom field that is globally searchable and populate it with the external ID. This can be done manually, via CSV, via workflow, or via script. However, this method requires maintaining another duplicate External ID field and might not be ideal for all record types. For the custom field method, you can use the validation and defaulting option for the custom field - use the formula

{externalid}

and make sure the 'store value' checkbox is unchecked. Then, perform an update type import to the existing records. If you need this for all record types, you might need to create a User Event script that sets the custom field whenever the external ID is changed to match it. This script would need to be deployed on all record types to set the custom field. Another more general solution might be to create a Suitelet form that gives options for record selection, and then a blank field for typing the search string. You can then do the search yourself for the external ID and display the results. This is not the Global Search, but it's effectively its own external ID search page. Remember, these are workarounds and might not be ideal for all use cases.