#703 Netsuite Integration & Extensibility

Text in bold/italics is taken from the Oracle docs.

Leading on from the previous post,
Netsuite provides it's own integration/extensibility components.

This post is a basic introduction to them - again,
I am not a Netsuite expert and essentially what follows are notes for my own consumption.

So what does Netsuite offer us in terms of integration/extensibility?

Netsuite Integration

SuiteTalk - essentially the SOAP Services leveraged by the OIC adapter.

You can find the documentation in the Netsuite HELP CENTER -

Netsuite Extensibility

Here we have various components -

• SuiteBuilder
• SuiteFlow
• SuiteScript

SuiteBuilder encompasses all the point and click customisation that is available through the UI. It allows customisation and personalisation of your NetSuite application without requiring you to write any code.

SuiteBuilder Features - 

Dashboard Personalisation -

Now every user gets their very own software. From key performance indicators to performance snapshots, trend graphs, job reminders, and report and transaction shortcuts, each person in your company gets the tools they need for highest productivity.

Company and Process Configuration -

SuiteBuilder lets you set up NetSuite to your company and industry requirements.

Customise Data Relationships and User Interface -

Fundamentally alter NetSuite's Web-native, on-demand products with the addition of database tables via Custom Records. Custom Records can stand-alone or easily tie in with standard objects such as customers or items in data relationships ranging from one-to-one, one-to-many, to many-to-many.

SuiteBuilder tools include:

• Color Themes
• Record Re-naming
• Custom Roles
• Custom lists
• Custom Fields
• Custom Forms
• Custom Sub-tabs
• Custom Records/Objects
• Custom Tabs
• Custom Centers

Visit HELP CENTER for the full documentation -

SuiteFlow-

Use SuiteFlow to create and execute workflows in NetSuite. A workflow is the definition of a custom business process for a standard or custom record in NetSuite. Business processes can include transaction approval, lead nurturing, and record management. A workflow defines and automates the business process.

Again, full docs in the HELP CENTER.


SuiteScript -

SuiteScript is a JavaScript-based API that gives developers the ability to extend NetSuite beyond the capabilities provided through SuiteBuilder point-and-click customization.

The majority of NetSuite forms, records, customization objects and their event/trigger points are programmatically accessible through SuiteScript. What you decide to do with SuiteScript depends on which part of NetSuite you are trying to extend, search, or process.

SuiteScript supports the concept of Restlets -

You can deploy server-side scripts that interact with NetSuite data following RESTful principles. RESTlets extend the SuiteScript API to allow custom integrations with NetSuite. Some benefits of using RESTlets include the ability to:

• Find opportunities to enhance usability and performance, by implementing a RESTful integration that is more lightweight and flexible than SOAP-based web services.

• Support stateless communication between client and server.

• Control client and server implementation.

• Use built-in authentication based on token or user credentials in the HTTP header.

• Develop mobile clients on platforms such as iPhone and Android.

• Integrate external Web-based applications such as Gmail or Google Apps.