This is one of my favorite topics to cover: performance! Performance is one of the key points that either leads customers to have a bad experience with NetSuite in general or they just don’t know any better. We have helped companies solve complex issues from API performance bottlenecks to UI performance issues all the way down to scripting enhancements and merging scripts and workflows for better performance. By optimizing these elements, we enable smoother operations and a more efficient user experience. Ultimately, our goal is to empower businesses to fully leverage NetSuite’s capabilities without the frustration of performance-related obstacles. Let's take a deeper dive into the strategies that help make your NetSuite environment more efficient. We have helped many companies over a long career thus far uncover performance issues in their environment either through risk assessments or just working on account performance, either assisting with post go-live help and/or rescue projects.

In today's fast-paced business environment, optimizing your NetSuite ERP system is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. By implementing strategic management practices, you can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and boost overall performance. Let's explore key strategies to streamline your NetSuite operations and maximize the value of your ERP investment.

1. Conduct Regular NetSuite Health Checks

Performing routine health checks is fundamental to maintaining a high-performing NetSuite environment. These comprehensive assessments evaluate your system's performance, security, and functionality, allowing you to proactively identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Key components of a NetSuite health check include:

• Analyzing system performance metrics

• Reviewing security settings and user access

• Evaluating custom scripts and workflows

• Assessing data integrity and accuracy

• Checking for outdated or redundant customizations

• Reduce the number of fields on record forms! This is often missed by many and overlooked many times; it's an easy win!

• Reduce the number of saved searches as either sublists or search-driven fields on forms; these are impacting events that can slow down loading times of your records.

By consistently performing these checks, you can ensure your NetSuite system remains optimized and aligned with your evolving business needs.

2. Optimize Script Management

Effective script management is critical for maintaining NetSuite performance. Scripts are powerful tools for automating processes and customizing your NetSuite experience, but they can also be a source of performance issues if not managed properly.

To optimize your script management:

• Regularly review and clean up unused or redundant scripts.

• Implement best coding practices to enhance script performance.

• Monitor script execution times and resource usage.

• Use asynchronous scripts for long-running processes.

• Minimize heavy UI interactions in client scripts.

Utilize the Scripted Records page (Customization > Scripting > Scripted Records) to gain a comprehensive view of all record types with associated scripts, their counts, and statuses.

3. Leverage the Performance Module

NetSuite's Performance Module is an invaluable tool for monitoring and enhancing system performance. This add-on/built-in feature provides insights into various aspects of your NetSuite environment, including script execution times, page load speeds, database query performance, and user activity patterns.

To maximize the benefits of the Performance Module:

• Regularly review performance logs to identify trends and anomalies.

• Set up alerts for performance thresholds.

• Use the data to guide your optimization efforts.

• Analyze specific queries or processes that may be causing slowdowns.

4. Implement Efficient Search Strategies

Optimizing your search strategies can significantly improve system responsiveness. Consider the following best practices:

• Use 'is' or 'equals' criteria instead of 'contains' or 'starts with' when possible.

• Utilize summary searches for aggregate data rather than loading full result sets.

• Utilize the Analytics Datasets and Workbooks when you can; there are certain fields that are not exposed to the Analytics field sets just yet. This makes a difference in certain modules you are working with, and you might have trouble finding some field definitions for certain record types. I promise I told you so!

5. Master SuiteFlow for Process Automation

SuiteFlow, NetSuite's visual workflow designer, allows you to automate complex business processes without writing code. To optimize your workflows:

• Break complex workflows into smaller, more manageable sub-workflows when you can. NetSuite recommends that you combine workflows into a singular workflow for performance gains, but sometimes that isn't possible; use your best judgment here.

• Use 'Before Load' and 'Before Submit' triggers judiciously to minimize processing time. Sometimes this isn’t possible based on your customized needs, but use it where you can all the time!

• Implement error handling and logging to facilitate troubleshooting. NetSuite recommends and so do I. Turn off the logging. This makes page load times longer and more pressing on your environment. Only use record logging when you are debugging issues in your account.

• Regularly review and optimize workflows as your business processes evolve.

6. Harness the Power of SuiteAnalytics

SuiteAnalytics provides powerful tools for gaining insights into your NetSuite data and system performance. Leverage SuiteAnalytics Workbooks to:

• Create custom reports tracking key performance indicators.

• Monitor the execution time of critical saved searches; this is helpful! There are key insights you can pick up here. Understanding the execution times can help you identify bottlenecks in your processes and improve overall efficiency. By addressing these bottlenecks, you can streamline operations and enhance productivity across your organization. By enhancing productivity across your organization, you can also foster a culture of continuous improvement. Continuous improvement not only boosts individual performance but also encourages teamwork and collaboration. As employees see the positive impact of their efforts, they become more motivated to innovate and contribute to the organization's success. This not only benefits your current operations but also positions your business for future growth and adaptability in an ever-changing market. Additionally, utilizing data visualization tools within SuiteAnalytics can further aid in making informed decisions based on real-time insights. Additionally, utilizing visualizations within SuiteAnalytics can enhance your ability to communicate data-driven insights across your organization. We can tell you about this!

• Datasets and workbooks are the future of NetSuite reporting, especially utilizing the query and/or the dataset modules in scripting. These are game-changing modules that offer faster response times in SuiteScript; you should be trying to replace any saved search queries in your code when you can with queries!

7. Optimize Custom Record Types

While custom record types offer flexibility, they can impact system performance if not managed properly. To optimize custom record types:

• Limit the number of fields to only what's necessary.

• Use field-level permissions to restrict access to sensitive data.

• Implement server-side validation to reduce client-side processing.

• Consider using parent-child relationships between custom and native records; this is a key benefit most never utilize. This is a game changer when set up correctly. With use between customer and/or natives, you can make the difference between long save times and saving on scripting governance in your account.

8. Leverage NetSuite Caching

NetSuite's caching mechanisms enhance system speed and responsiveness. To make the most of caching:

• Encourage consistent system usage across your organization.

• Avoid frequent cache-clearing unless absolutely necessary.

• Design your customizations with caching in mind; this can save on page load times, and if used with scripting, repeating scripts can really make the difference here in the speed of processing.

9. Implement Efficient Deployment Strategies

Utilize SuiteBundler for efficient deployment of customizations across NetSuite accounts.

• Group related customizations into logical bundles.

• Use version control to manage bundle updates.

• Implement a staging environment for testing bundles before production deployment.

• Regularly audit and clean up unused or outdated bundles.

• SDF is recommended in most cases to deploy your product updates. SuiteBundles do have some advantages still, even though the feature is no longer supported by NetSuite with newer advancements. SDF and bundle deployments go hand in hand for quick and easy wins. SDF is the wave of the future; it can be complicated if you make large deployment packages. Be careful about dependencies, especially with saved searches. The hidden key here is to always remove the drill-down fields in saved searches if you don't want issues when deploying or pulling in data dependencies from SDF packages you don’t want or need that will give you headaches down the road! We will cover a larger topic on SDF deployments later on! Stay tuned!

10. Continuous Monitoring and Refinement

Maintaining NetSuite efficiency is an ongoing process. Implement a strategy for continuous monitoring and refinement:

• Regularly review system performance metrics.

• Solicit feedback from users to identify pain points.

• Stay updated on NetSuite's latest features and best practices.

• Conduct periodic training sessions to ensure users are leveraging the system effectively.

Atlas Solutions: Your Ticket to NetSuite Nirvana

At Atlas Technology Group, we're not just about quick fixes—we're in the business of transformation. One of our secret weapons? Script and workflow consolidation. It's like decluttering your digital workspace, leading to improved UI performance and overall system responsiveness that'll make your users weep tears of joy.

While we can't spill all the beans on our client success stories (confidentiality is our middle name), we can tell you that our clients have reported mind-blowing improvements in system speed and user satisfaction after we've worked our magic. Our approach is laser-focused on:

• Hunting down and eliminating redundant or inefficient scripts and workflows. It's like weeding your digital garden.

• Consolidating and optimizing existing processes. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your NetSuite environment.

• Implementing best practices for script and workflow design. We're talking gold-standard stuff here.

• Continuous monitoring and refinement of system performance. Because in the world of ERP, standing still is moving backward.

Embracing NetSuite Health: Your Ticket to Business Success

Here's the bottom line: regular NetSuite health checks aren't just about keeping your system running smoothly—they're about driving your business to new heights. By ensuring your ERP system is firing on all cylinders, you're empowering your team to work smarter, faster, and more effectively than ever before.

Remember, a healthy NetSuite environment isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a secret weapon in your business arsenal. By leveraging the tools and expertise at your disposal, you can unlock levels of productivity and innovation that you never thought possible.

Ready to take your NetSuite performance from zero to hero? Reach out to Atlas Technology Group today. Let's join forces and transform your NetSuite investment into a powerhouse that drives your business forward.

Want to dive deeper into the world of NetSuite best practices? Check out these goldmines of information:

• NetSuite ERP Implementation Best Practices

• Atlas Technology Group NetSuite Articles

By making the health of your NetSuite system a top priority, you're not just maintaining software—you're investing in the future of your business. Let's roll up our sleeves and ensure your NetSuite environment is always performing at its absolute best. After all, in the world of business, you're either growing or you're dying—and with a healthy NetSuite system, the sky's the limit!