As a seasoned NetSuite Administrator, your daily to-do list is likely packed with requests from all corners of your organisation. As your company grows, so too do the complexities of your NetSuite environment—and the expectations placed on you.
To help you streamline your day and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, we’ve compiled a list of practical, time-saving tips based on common issues faced by admins across the NetSuite ecosystem. Whether you’re managing user roles, configuring workflows, or troubleshooting scripts, these tips will help you work more efficiently.
1. Align User Access with Role Responsibilities
User access requests are part of everyday life for NetSuite admins. The key is to start with standard NetSuite roles that already follow best practices and modify from there. This ensures a solid foundation of permissions, which you can customise to match the user’s needs.
Use SuiteAnswers Article ID 9911 as your go-to reference for permission settings. Properly tailored roles not only enhance user experience but also reduce the need for ongoing troubleshooting and access requests.
2. Provide Admin Access Without Exposing Sensitive Data
Sometimes users such as auditors or developers need administrator-level access but shouldn’t see sensitive data. NetSuite’s Core Administration Permissions checkbox allows you to grant admin functionality while limiting data access.
This is especially helpful for temporary access and ensures compliance with data privacy policies.
3. Set Workflows to Execute as Admin
Workflows are a powerful way to automate processes in NetSuite, even for non-developers. However, if users run into errors or permission issues with workflows, the culprit is often a missed setting: Execute as Admin.
Enabling this option allows the workflow to run with admin permissions, avoiding unnecessary errors without altering user roles.
4. Limit Script Execution to Intended Users
Poor script deployment can significantly slow down NetSuite performance. Ensure your scripts are only running for relevant roles or users. For example, scripts needed in the UI shouldn’t run in the Customer Center or WebStore, where they might impact shopper experience.
Review your script deployment audience settings to maintain speed and efficiency.
5. Monitor Script Errors Proactively
Unexpected script errors can disrupt workflows and frustrate users. To stay ahead of issues, set up a Saved Search on Server Script Logs that filters for recent errors. Include details like script name, error message, and timestamp.
This proactive approach helps you catch problems early—before they escalate.
6. Create Saved Search Templates for Teams
If users are constantly asking for help with saved searches, create a baseline of team-specific saved search templates. For instance, a "My Customers" search for Sales can serve as a template for variations.
This empowers teams to find what they need and reduces repeat requests for admin help.
7. Troubleshoot Formula Errors Quickly
"Invalid Expression" errors in saved searches typically happen when the formula field type doesn’t match the data type. Use the SuiteScript Records Browser to confirm field types or check custom field definitions under Customization > Lists, Records & Fields.
This simple validation step can prevent hours of confusion.
8. Fix “Field Not Found” Errors in Searches
If users encounter a “Field Not Found” error—especially for custom fields—make sure the field is available for Search/Reporting at the appropriate access level. Check that both the user’s role and permissions are aligned with the record type (e.g., Customer, Vendor).
Setting these access levels properly can resolve errors instantly.
Final Thoughts
Being a NetSuite Administrator is no small feat—but using these tips can make your workload more manageable, your users more independent, and your system more efficient. These insights are just the beginning of the resources available to NetSuite admins. By staying proactive and embracing built-in tools and best practices, you can continue to deliver value at every level of your organisation.
Need more Tips, check out this blog for Top Tips for NetSuite Administrators.
Want to learn more or get help optimising your NetSuite environment? Our team is here to help.
