Introduction to NetSuite Customization

📝 What is NetSuite Customization?

NetSuite comes out-of-the-box with standard fields, forms, and processes that work for many businesses. But every company has unique requirements. That’s where customization comes in.

Customization in NetSuite allows you to:

• Add fields that capture business-specific information.
• Create custom records to store data not covered by standard modules.
• Adjust transaction and entry forms to match your workflows.
• Build approval processes with workflows (SuiteFlow).
• Design reports, dashboards, and PDFs that suit your company’s needs.

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🔄 Customization vs Configuration vs Development

• Configuration → Setup without building anything new. Example: defining accounting preferences, enabling features, setting currencies.
• Customization → Using built-in NetSuite tools (SuiteBuilder, SuiteFlow, Saved Searches, Advanced PDF). Example: creating a custom field or workflow.
• Development → Writing code with SuiteScript, SuiteTalk, or RESTlets. Example: building an integration with Shopify or Salesforce.

👉 Most businesses start with customization before moving to development.

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🛠 Tools for Customization

Here are the main tools NetSuite provides for customization (no coding required):

1. SuiteBuilder
   • Add custom fields, records, and forms.
   • Customize user interface layouts.
   • Control permissions and visibility.
2. SuiteFlow (Workflows)
   • Automate business processes.
   • Create approval flows (e.g., purchase orders, expense reports).
   • Trigger field updates, emails, or record creation.
3. Saved Searches & Reports
   • Create custom views of data.
   • Add calculations with formulas.
   • Use as filters in scripts, workflows, and dashboards.
4. Advanced PDF/HTML Templates
   • Design professional invoices, quotes, and packing slips.
   • Add logos, conditional sections, and dynamic content.

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✅ Example: A Simple Customization

Scenario: A company wants to track a customer’s “Preferred Delivery Day” on the Sales Order.

Steps:

1. Go to Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Transaction Body Fields.
2. Create a new custom field:
   • Label: Preferred Delivery Day
   • Type: Dropdown (Monday–Sunday)
   • Applies To: Sales Order
3. Add it to the Sales Order custom form.
4. Train users to select the delivery day when entering orders.
5. Later, build a Saved Search to filter orders by delivery day.

💡 This is a simple example that shows how customization solves a real-world need without code.

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📌 Key Takeaways

• Customization makes NetSuite flexible enough to fit your unique business.
• It’s different from configuration (settings) and development (coding).
• SuiteBuilder, SuiteFlow, Saved Searches, and Advanced PDF are your main tools.
• Start small (like adding custom fields) and build up to more advanced workflows.

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👉 Next Page: Working with Custom Fields