📊 Building Custom Dashboards and Reports Using SuiteAnalytics Workbook

Introduction

NetSuite’s SuiteAnalytics Workbook is the next-generation reporting and analysis tool that combines datasets, pivot tables, and charts into a single visual interface.

Unlike traditional saved searches, SuiteAnalytics Workbook lets you:

• Combine multiple record types through joins.
• Build pivot tables and charts in real time.
• Add dashboards for departments, roles, or custom views.

Whether you’re a financial analyst or an administrator, mastering the Workbook is key to turning data into actionable insights.

💡 What Is SuiteAnalytics Workbook?

SuiteAnalytics Workbook is an advanced no-code analytics tool built into NetSuite. It’s designed to help users create interactive reports and dashboards without needing SuiteScript or external BI tools.

✅ Key Advantages

• Real-time data from NetSuite records.
• Drag-and-drop fields for building datasets.
• Supports joins across multiple record types.
• Charting and visualization built-in.
• Permissions follow NetSuite roles.

⚙️ Prerequisites

Before creating your first workbook:

• Ensure the SuiteAnalytics Workbook feature is enabled.
  (Setup → Company → Enable Features → Analytics → SuiteAnalytics Workbook)
• You need Analytics Administrator or Full Access role.
• Familiarity with Saved Searches helps but isn’t required.

🧱 Step-by-Step: Creating Your First SuiteAnalytics Workbook

Step 1: Access SuiteAnalytics

Navigate to:
Analytics → Workbooks → New Workbook

You’ll see options for Dataset, Pivot, and Chart tabs.

Step 2: Create a Dataset

A Dataset defines what data your report will use.

1. Click + New Dataset.
2. Choose a base record type (e.g., Sales Order).
3. Drag fields from the left panel into your Dataset workspace.
4. Add filters to narrow your results (e.g., Status = Billed).
5. Add joins to include related records (e.g., Customer, Item).
6. Click Preview to verify your data.

✅ Tip: Each dataset can be reused in multiple workbooks.

Step 3: Add a Pivot Table

After saving your dataset:

1. Go to the Pivot tab.
2. Drag fields into:
   • Rows → e.g., Customer Name
   • Columns → e.g., Month
   • Measures → e.g., Amount (Sum)
3. Click Apply Changes to generate the pivot.
4. Format your totals and subtotals.

Result: You’ll now see a summarized report, similar to Excel pivot tables.

Step 4: Add Visual Charts

Switch to the Chart tab to visualize data:

• Chart Types: Bar, Column, Line, Pie, Donut, Area.
• Drag your Measure and Dimension fields.
• Adjust chart style and colors.
• Save layout to reuse in dashboards.

Example:
Visualize Sales by Brand or Revenue by Region from your dataset.

Step 5: Save and Share Your Workbook

• Click Save As → give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Monthly Sales by Brand”).
• Under Permissions, share it with roles or employees.
• You can also Add to Dashboard as a KPI or Chart Portlet.

📈 Real-World Example: Sales Performance Dashboard

Scenario:
Your management team wants a dashboard showing:

• Monthly Sales by Brand
• Top 5 Customers by Revenue
• Open Orders by Sales Rep

Solution:

1. Create a Dataset with Sales Orders as the base record.
2. Join Customer and Item records.
3. Create a Pivot by Brand vs. Month.
4. Create a Chart showing Top 5 Customers.
5. Save workbook → Add to Executive Dashboard.

Result:
A dynamic dashboard that refreshes in real time with drill-down capability.

📊 SuiteAnalytics Workbook vs. Saved Search

✅ Pro Tip: Use Saved Searches for quick list views and Workbooks for deep analysis and visualization.

🧩 Advanced Use Cases

⚡ SuiteAnalytics Workbook Best Practices

• Keep datasets focused — too many joins can slow performance.
• Use filters early to reduce data volume.
• Rename measures and fields with readable labels.
• Schedule periodic review of shared workbooks for accuracy.
• Use consistent naming conventions (e.g., Sales_By_Region).

🧠 Troubleshooting Common Issues

🧰 Automating with SuiteScript (Optional)

You can access datasets using SuiteAnalytics API (SuiteQL) in SuiteScript 2.1.

define(['N/query', 'N/log'], (query, log) => {
    function execute() {
        const resultSet = query.runSuiteQL({
            query: `SELECT entityid, total FROM transaction WHERE type='SalesOrd' AND status='Billed'`
        });
        log.debug('Sales Data', resultSet.asMappedResults());
    }
    return { execute };
});

This allows you to build custom dashboards or integrate Workbook data into Suitelets.

📚 Related Tutorials

• 👉 Custom Segments in NetSuite
• 👉 Custom Dashboards & Portlets using SuiteScript
• 👉 Saved Searches & Custom Reports

❓ FAQ

Q1. Can I export Workbook data to Excel?
Yes — use File → Export to CSV or Export Chart to image.

Q2. Can I schedule Workbook reports?
Currently, scheduling is limited. Use Saved Searches for automated email delivery.

Q3. Are custom segments available in Workbooks?
Yes — if GL Impact is enabled, they appear as dimensions automatically.

Q4. Can I combine multiple datasets into one chart?
Not directly — create a combined dataset using joins before building the chart.

🧭 Summary

SuiteAnalytics Workbook gives you full control over data visualization in NetSuite.
With its drag-and-drop design, real-time reporting, and built-in charting, you can replace multiple static saved searches with dynamic, role-based dashboards.

It’s a must-have skill for every NetSuite Admin, Finance Analyst, and Developer aiming to bring clarity and insight into decision-making.