Salesforce ↔ NetSuite Integration: Custom Object Sync Methods
Whether you're a RevOps team reconciling CRM deals with ERP orders, or a SaaS team embedding Salesforce–NetSuite sync as a product feature for your customers — this guide covers every method with setup time, field mapping detail, and affiliate tool recommendations.
Quick Answer
For custom object sync, the native Salesforce–NetSuite connector won't work — it covers standard objects only. Use n8n ↗ for high-volume syncs, embeddable workflows, or custom field schemas that vary per customer. Use Make ↗ for a no-code visual setup with moderate volume.
Why Custom Object Sync Requires an Automation Layer
Salesforce uses Custom Objects (API names ending in __c, e.g. Contract_Line_Item__c). NetSuite uses Custom Record Types (e.g. customrecord_contract_line). The native Salesforce–NetSuite connector available on AppExchange maps only the standard schema: Accounts → Customers, Opportunities → Sales Orders, Contacts → Contacts.
If either side has custom fields or non-standard objects, you need a middle layer that calls both REST APIs directly and maps fields at runtime. That's where Make and n8n come in.
Method Comparison
| Factor | Native Connector | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Objects | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Setup Time | 30–60 min | 2–4 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Embeddable in SaaS Product | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ n8n Embed |
| Webhook Retries | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Auth Token Auto-Refresh | ✅ Handled | ✅ Handled | ✅ Handled |
| Self-Hosted / Data Residency | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Method 1: Native Connector (Standard Objects Only)
The Salesforce–NetSuite connector on AppExchange syncs standard schema out of the box. If your use case is purely Accounts → Customers and Opportunities → Sales Orders with no custom fields, this is the fastest path.
⚠️ Stop here if either side has custom objects or custom fields — the native connector will not map them.
Method 2: Make ↗ (No-Code Custom Field Mapping)
Make connects to both Salesforce and NetSuite via REST API and provides a visual drag-and-drop field mapper. You can map any Salesforce custom field (by its API name) to any NetSuite field, including custom record fields.
Setup Steps
- Create a new Scenario in Make
- Add a Salesforce trigger — "Watch Records" on your custom object
- Add a NetSuite action — "Create or Update Record" targeting your custom record type
- In the field mapper, enter custom field API names manually (e.g.
Contract_Line_Item__c) - Set execution schedule (webhook for real-time, or polling interval)
- Under Scenario Settings → enable "Retry failed executions"
Method 3: n8n ↗ (High Volume + Embeddable)
n8n is the recommended choice if you need: high-volume sync with queue-based execution, runtime custom field mapping that varies per customer, self-hosted deployment for data residency, or you're embedding this sync inside your own SaaS product via n8n Embed.
Key Capabilities for This Use Case
- ✓ Unified webhook listener — one endpoint receives events from both Salesforce and NetSuite, routes by event type
- ✓ Code nodes — JavaScript execution for runtime field resolution when schema differs per customer
- ✓ Credential store — OAuth2 token refresh handled automatically for both platforms
- ✓ Error workflows — trigger a separate workflow on execution failure, send Slack or email alerts
- ✓ n8n Embed license — white-label the workflow interface inside your SaaS product so customers can configure their own field mappings
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Custom Objects Not Syncing
The native connector only handles Account, Opportunity, and Contact. Custom objects (__c in Salesforce) must be mapped via Make or n8n.
Fix: Switch to Make or n8n and manually map the custom field API names.
Sync Stops After a Few Days
Salesforce OAuth token expired or refresh token is not configured.
Fix: Re-authenticate in your integration platform. Ensure "Refresh Token" scope is enabled in your Salesforce Connected App.
Webhook Events Dropped or Out of Order
Your integration platform is not retrying failed webhook deliveries.
Fix: Enable "Retry on Failure" with exponential backoff (2s, 5s, 10s, 30s) in Make or n8n scenario settings.