Integration has become a staple in the modern world of business, and when it comes to NetSuite, this is doubly true. NetSuite’s robust API and reporting tools make it the perfect place to be your business’s “single source of truth”. NetSuite administrators should try to be as knowledgeable as possible about the benefits of NetSuite integration and deploy an integration once a need is spotted.

Depending on your business size, thousands or even millions of dollars are at stake. This risk makes NetSuite integration something you want to get right. That is why we have created this guide to help NetSuite admins get up-t0-speed on the hows, whats, and whys of NetSuite integration.

What is a NetSuite Integration?

A NetSuite integration is the connection between the NetSuite ERP system and other software applications, allowing for seamless data synchronization using APIs and other tools.

For example, if your NetSuite ERP was “integrated” with your SalesForce CRM, you can send newly closed sales opportunities to NetSuite and update your books without an admin from sales or accounting ever touching a device. These information flows can be mono-directional or bi-directional, for example, if that same integration application then sent newly updated inventory prices back to SalesForce from NetSuite, that integration would be “bi-directional.”

The flow of information in an integration can be triggered from an event or record change; such as a sales opportunity being won, or triggered at a certain time; such as every week morning at 6 AM create an inventory report with information from your eCommerce platform.

Does NetSuite Have an API?

NetSuite does indeed have an API, which allows developers to access and integrate with its various modules and features. The API provides a set of web services that can be used to create custom integrations, automate business processes, and extend the functionality of NetSuite. With the API, developers can build applications that interact with NetSuite data, customize user interfaces, and perform a wide range of tasks

SuiteTalk Webservices is NetSuite’s API protocol. SuiteTalk is built on the SOAP method of communication. SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. What this means for users is the NetSuite API is secure and integrations can be built using any development language.

The SuiteTalk Webservices method also supports standard REST functions. REST is another protocol for messaging across the internet and is notable for being more flexible and easier to work with than the SOAP method. By supporting both of these protocols, the NetSuite API becomes robust and flexible, allowing for a wide variety of connections to be made in several ways.

Another thing that makes NetSuite integrations possible is the NetSuite language SuiteScript. SuiteScript is a proprietary development language, based on Javascript, that NetSuite has created to allow the NetSuite platform to be customized by users and third-party developers. SuiteScript is what establishes the business logic that allows SuiteTalk to be used more effectively. SuiteScript will set the events or times that tell the SuiteTalk tool when to ask for data from another application. SuiteScript logic will then also tell NetSuite what to do with that data once it is inside of NetSuite.

Check out our article NetSuite API 101 to learn more about how to take advantage of the NetSuite API.

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Benefits of NetSuite Integration

There are several reasons your business should consider NetSuite integrations:

• Improved efficiency: Integration allows for the automation of manual processes, resulting in more efficient and accurate data management.
• Enhanced data accuracy: By integrating NetSuite with other systems, you can eliminate the need for manual data entry and reduce the risk of errors.
• Better decision-making: With integrated systems, you can access real-time data from multiple sources, allowing you to make more informed business decisions.
• Increased productivity: Integration can free up time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value work.
• Enhanced customer experience: With integrated systems, you can provide a seamless experience for customers by having access to all relevant customer data in one place.
• Improved collaboration: Integration allows different teams and departments to access and share data in real time, improving collaboration and communication.

NetSuite Integration Options

There are three ways to integrate NetSuite once you realize there is a need. How you go about an integration depends on your level of technical skill, the application you wish to connect to the NetSuite platform, and your budget.

Scratch Code

Creating an integration from scratch requires knowledge of the NetSuite API; particularly its calls and security protocols, familiarity with SuiteScript, knowledge of XML, and familiarity with the target application’s API protocols.

If you have talented NetSuite architects and developers on hand, then this may be the way you want to go. An integration from scratch will not require subscription costs down the road although it will need to be maintained through the years (more on this later). You can check out an example of a hand-written NetSuite integration below.

Find a “Connector”

You may find that a connector is the easiest way to solve your integration need. A connector is a pre-built integration application that is created to connect two popular SaaS applications or solve a common use case.

You can find connectors at the SuiteApp store or by going through popular NetSuite partners. A quick google search will help you find more connectors but you should be aware that not all connectors available have been vetted by NetSuite and these carry more risk to your system.

Finding a connector can make your life much easier, however, they are usually only built for popular apps and use cases as mentioned before, and also come with pesky monthly or yearly SaaS fees.

Purchase an Integration Platform (IPaaS)

An integration platform is a stand-alone SaaS application that is designed to do one thing; building integration applications. Platforms are different from connectors because they can be used to build multiple integrations and are not tied to a single use case or application. You can use them to connect every application in your IT portfolio and in doing so automate most, if not all, processes in your back office. Integration platforms are also capable of EDI, allowing you to automate processes across partners and core B2B customers who are EDI compliant.

Integration platforms are becoming extremely popular among medium to large businesses right now as integration is taking off as a business all its own. A popular IPaas for the NetSuite ecosystem is Celigo.

Integration Platforms also reduce your need for technical skills by replacing the need to hard-code with graphical interfaces and wizard-step-by-step processes. Each of these platforms has its learning curve, however. But in time, even complex integrations can be built with competent business analysts.

For more information on this topic, check out our guide on NetSuite Integration Options.

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NetSuite Integrations FAQ

Which Software Integrates with NetSuite?

There are many software solutions that can integrate with NetSuite such as Salesforce, Shopify, Magento, Zendesk, and many more. NetSuite offers a suite of tools for integration, including a SuiteCloud development platform, REST web services, and pre-built connectors to third-party software applications.

How to Integrate with Oracle NetSuite?

NetSuite provides several options for integration, such as web services, REST APIs, and pre-built connectors. For custom integrations, developers can use the SuiteCloud development platform. NetSuite also offers pre-built connectors to popular software applications, such as Salesforce, Shopify, Magento, and more.

What can you Automate with NetSuite?

NetSuite offers a wide range of automation capabilities, such as automating financial and accounting processes, sales and marketing automation, inventory management automation, and order fulfillment automation. Businesses can also create custom workflows and automate various tasks using SuiteFlow, NetSuite’s workflow automation tool.

Does NetSuite use SQL?

NetSuite uses a modified version of SQL called NSQL, which is a declarative SQL language that includes NetSuite-specific syntax for accessing and manipulating NetSuite data. NSQL can be used to create custom reports, searches, and saved searches within NetSuite.

What is the Best Integration for NetSuite?

The best integration for NetSuite depends on the specific business needs and software applications used. NetSuite offers pre-built connectors to popular software applications, such as Salesforce, Shopify, Magento, and more. Custom integrations can also be developed using NetSuite’s SuiteCloud development platform.

Can you Connect NetSuite to Quickbooks?

Yes, NetSuite can be integrated with QuickBooks using a third-party connector like CloudExtend. This allows for a seamless transfer of data between the two systems, ensuring accurate financial records across both platforms.

Can you Connect NetSuite to Excel?

Yes, NetSuite can be connected to Excel using the NetSuite Excel Add-in. This add-in allows users to access NetSuite data directly from Excel, enabling them to create reports and manipulate data more easily. The add-in can be downloaded from NetSuite’s SuiteApp marketplace.

Final Thoughts

Our hope for this guide was to explain everything a NetSuite administrator needs to know about NetSuite integration as well as provide real-world advice on how to achieve integration success. If you felt that this guide has helped you in some way or you feel that it is missing something please leave a comment below to begin a conversation about it. We appreciate any and all feedback!

Also, if you have any NetSuite integration projects you need help with, you can learn more about our NetSuite Integration services. We have hundreds of NetSuite integration projects under our belt and would be happy to help in any way.