NetSuite delivers scheduled releases that keep your ERP evolving and your business processes running smoothly. Each NetSuite release incorporates enhancements, new features, and refined workflows to help organizations use NetSuite more effectively. The NetSuite Release Preview account—often called the isolated test account—plays a pivotal role by letting teams explore changes in a safe environment prior to the new release going live. Whether you need to examine updated supply chain tools, test SuiteBilling functionalities, or verify bank and credit card integrations, accessing the Release Preview ensures any customization remains intact and any issues are resolved before the production account is upgraded.
NetSuite releases arrive twice a year, bringing the latest ERP optimizations and expansions to your NetSuite account. When the release date approaches, it is crucial to map out a systematic approach that prevents confusion in your workflows. The upcoming release, 2025.1, includes enhancements across AI-driven automation, financial operations, customer relationship management, and security protocols.
NetSuite Narrative Reporting (EPM): Generates AI-driven financial narratives, summarizing transactional data, trends, and variances.
AI-Enhanced SuiteAnswers: Uses retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to provide precise answers to user queries, reducing the need to search through multiple documents.
AI-Driven NetSuite Analytics Warehouse: Generates data visualizations using natural language queries, helping users analyze trends, anomalies, and business drivers.
SuiteScript Generative AI API: Enables developers to integrate generative AI into NetSuite customizations for automation and efficiency.
NetSuite Prompt Studio: Allows admins to fine-tune AI-generated content within the platform.
Revenue Merging Accuracy: Ensures aligned start dates for more precise financial reporting.
NetSuite SuiteProcurement: Introduces an indirect procurement solution to streamline approvals and document management.
Expanded Bill Capture Enhancements: Offers better invoice scanning control and visibility.
Bank Feeds SuiteApp Expansion: Now connects with 14,000+ financial institutions and 700+ OAuth-secured banks, ensuring stable and secure banking integrations.
NetSuite Cash 360 Updates: Provides improved cash flow forecasting based on installment payments.
SuiteBilling Enhancements: Delivers more flexibility in subscription management.
Payroll Self-Service: Employees can now access W-2 forms through the Employee Center without administrator intervention.
New NetSuite Connectors: Integrations with Salesforce, Shopify B2B, and Microsoft Outlook eliminate manual data entry.
Field Service Management Upgrades: Introduces bulk file uploads and automated time bill creation.
Specialized User Roles: CRM-specific roles and view-and-approve access streamline administration for limited-access users.
Auto Serial Numbering SuiteApp: Enhances traceability in manufacturing by automating serial number generation.
Manufacturing Scheduler SuiteApp: Optimizes production scheduling based on resource constraints and dependencies.
NetSuite Ship Central Updates: Enables real-time rate shopping, pallet weight tracking, and flexible shipping cost adjustments.
Banking & Transactional Controls:
Manual selection for auto-created transactions, expanded CSV import capabilities, and improved automation for tax calculations.
NetSuite updates are rolled out over a 3-month period, with each customer assigned a specific date and time for their production account update. Sandbox accounts, if available, are typically updated 7 days after the production update. The update period is scheduled for 4 hours, usually outside of business hours, though most updates are completed within 60 minutes, even for accounts with complex customizations.
The New Release Portlet, located on your NetSuite dashboard, provides essential information such as the exact date and time of your update. NetSuite also sends email notifications to administrators with the same details. If the assigned update time conflicts with critical operations, businesses can reschedule via the Customer Scheduled Maintenance page up to 72 hours before the scheduled update.
Access for a Single User:
Log into the Release Preview account: Navigate to Lists > Employees > Employees (Administrator) and click Edit next to the employee's name.
Modify Employee Access: Under the Access subtab, uncheck the Give Access box (note user’s assigned roles for re-assignment). Click Save.
Reassign Access: Edit the same employee record again, check Give Access, fill in required details, and assign appropriate roles. Click Save.
Inform the User: Have the user log out and back in. The Release Preview account will be labeled under the Account Type column on the My Roles page and indicated with an RP symbol.
Access for Multiple Users:
Create an Employee Search: Generate a search displaying Internal ID and Give Access fields.
Export and Update: Export results to a CSV file and use the CSV Import Assistant to update employee records in Release Preview.
Import CSV Records: Navigate to Setup > Import/Export > Import CSV Records.
Data Handling and Mapping: Select Update and ensure fields like Internal ID and Give Access are mapped correctly before running the import.
Failing to allocate sufficient time for testing scripts and integrations before going live is a common oversight that can lead to significant disruptions. Organizations must also ensure that custom workflows are thoroughly validated to prevent unexpected issues caused by changes in the new release. Another critical challenge is inadequate user training, which can result in confusion and decreased productivity if end-users are not familiar with interface updates and new functionalities.
To ensure a seamless transition, organizations should start by developing a structured test plan that covers core processes, integrations, and user roles. It is essential to prioritize critical functions, focusing first on financial, operational, and compliance-related workflows to prevent disruptions to essential business processes. Engaging key stakeholders, such as department leads, throughout the testing phase is crucial for ensuring business continuity and obtaining valuable feedback on potential impacts.
Navigating a NetSuite update can be challenging, but working with experts like Kimberlite Partners can simplify the process. Our team specializes in ensuring businesses are well-prepared by offering customized workflow assessments, in-depth analytics testing, and user role optimization.
With Kimberlite Partners by your side, you can confidently approach your next NetSuite update, knowing that all aspects of your NetSuite system are fine-tuned for success. Our expertise includes preparing for significant changes like migrating to new authentication protocols, updating custom scripts, and ensuring full compliance with localization enhancements.
Take full advantage today. Request your NetSuite Release Preview and discover how the upcoming NetSuite update can improve your operations. For personalized assistance, reach out to Kimberlite Partners to ensure a smooth go-live experience.