Oracle NetSuite supplies a strong resolution for automating many enterprise processes. One of the vital highly effective options is its built-in Workflow performance, which permits customers to automate quite a lot of duties throughout completely different enterprise features. The commonest use circumstances are for approvals, however workflows also can assist with automation round invoicing, record-keeping, billing, and even buyer administration.
To assist customers take full benefit of this, Oracle presents a local NetSuite idea referred to as SuiteFlow, which allows customers to arrange customized workflows for any enterprise course of.
Here is an instance of what you are able to do with NetSuite Workflows:
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At any time when a brand new buyer file is created, mechanically set off an inner notification to the gross sales workforce. If the client belongs to a sure area, additionally assign them to a selected gross sales rep. As soon as verified, ship a welcome e-mail and assign a follow-up process in 7 days.
That is only a primary instance, however the potentialities are countless. Workflows in NetSuite could be personalized for nearly any course of, from managing buyer relationships to automating monetary duties.
Why have we created this information?
Whereas making a primary workflow in NetSuite is comparatively simple, constructing workflows that align with complicated enterprise wants could be difficult. Many customers face challenges when customizing workflows for particular use circumstances, particularly when scaling them throughout a number of departments.
Some widespread issues:
- Superior workflows will typically require a devoted developer or administrator, because it’s robust to handle as a aspect exercise.
- NetSuite’s workflows typically lack the flexibleness wanted for some customized situations.
- Workflows can decelerate NetSuite’s efficiency if not optimized for bigger volumes. This could impression your NetSuite day-to-day operations.
- Constructing workflows that contain exterior methods or extra information could be difficult.
This information will enable you to navigate these points and create workflows which might be each highly effective and environment friendly.
What we’ll cowl on this information
- Organising primary workflows utilizing NetSuite’s native SuiteFlow
- Understanding the variations between SuiteFlow and SuiteApp
- Dealing with extra complicated, multi-step workflows in NetSuite
- The professionals and cons of retaining workflows inside NetSuite vs. extending them exterior
- Utilizing third get together instruments for superior workflow automation
The way to arrange workflows in NetSuite
To arrange workflows in NetSuite, you’ll have to activate SuiteFlow. SuiteFlow is NetSuite’s instrument for outlining and automating enterprise processes. Relying in your wants, you may also think about SuiteApps, that are pre-built templates for particular workflows.
Steps to arrange a workflow
- Entry SuiteFlow
Navigate toCustomization > Workflow > Workflows > New. Guarantee SuiteFlow is enabled by going toSetup > Firm > Allow Options > SuiteCloud tab. - Create a New Workflow
Click on New Workflow, give it a reputation (e.g., “Buyer Onboarding Course of”), and set the Report Sort (e.g., Buyer, Transaction, Lead). Choose whether or not the workflow is event-based or transaction-based. - Set Entry Circumstances
Add entry standards, which outline when the workflow ought to set off (e.g., when a buyer file is created). - Outline Workflow States
- State 1: Preliminary Motion – Outline what occurs when the workflow is triggered (e.g., create a process).
- State 2: Observe-Up – Set a follow-up motion, like sending a affirmation e-mail.
- State 3: Completion – Outline the ultimate state (e.g., when the client file is totally up to date).
- Add Workflow Actions
In every state, outline particular actions resembling sending an e-mail, updating a subject, or transitioning to a brand new state. - Configure Workflow Logic
Arrange conditional logic for every state (e.g., if a buyer is marked as “VIP,” assign a particular supervisor). - Take a look at and Deploy
Run just a few exams to make sure the workflow works as anticipated. As soon as verified, launch it for basic use by setting the workflow to “Launched.”
Organising a primary workflow on NetSuite is easy.
SuiteApps vs SuiteFlow
NetSuite presents two main methods to automate enterprise processes: SuiteFlow and SuiteApps. SuiteApps are pre-configured workflows designed for particular use circumstances. In the event you want a simple workflow with minimal customization, SuiteApps could be the higher selection.
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When do you have to use SuiteApps?
– In the event you want a pre-built resolution for primary processes
– Whenever you need a quick, ready-to-use workflow with out customized improvement
– In case your approval or workflow construction is comparatively easy and linear
SuiteFlow, however, presents way more flexibility for creating personalized workflows. Whereas it requires extra setup and configuration, it lets you deal with extra complicated processes with conditional logic, a number of levels, and integration with different methods.
For instance, for those who’re establishing a customized workflow for dealing with buyer assist tickets, SuiteFlow will mean you can outline intricate processes primarily based on ticket precedence, buyer class, and escalation paths.
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Frequent challenges with workflows in NetSuite
Whereas NetSuite workflows could be extremely helpful, scaling them throughout your enterprise presents some challenges.
Listed here are some generally reported points:
- Restricted Workflow Logic
NetSuite lets you arrange primary workflows, however extra superior automation (like semantic logic or integrations) requires extra customization utilizing SuiteScript or third-party instruments. - Advanced Routing
Dealing with a number of branches in a workflow, like parallel approvals or conditional routing, could make workflows complicated and tough to keep up. - Efficiency Points
Massive workflows, particularly these triggered in real-time, can decelerate NetSuite’s efficiency, notably when dealing with giant datasets. - Context Switching
Conserving the context intact as a file transitions between completely different workflow states is hard. For instance, locking a file too early can result in errors, whereas permitting edits throughout key levels can create compliance points.
When to increase workflows exterior NetSuite
Whereas NetSuite’s built-in instruments are highly effective, there are occasions when it is smart to increase workflows past the ERP system. Some examples embody:
- Integrating with exterior methods
As an example, in case your workflow entails each NetSuite and an exterior CRM, it could be simpler to handle approvals or actions exterior of NetSuite however nonetheless synchronize the info. - Lowering NetSuite licensing prices
In some circumstances, customers solely have to approve transactions or deal with particular duties. You may prolong workflows to exterior platforms like E mail or Slack to keep away from buying extra NetSuite licenses. - Crucial context going lacking (lengthy e-mail threads, Zendesk or JIRA tickets, Slack buyer channels) as a result of they do not combine with NetSuite.
The way to use AI workflow automation for complicated workflows
Typically NetSuite’s native instruments aren’t sufficient to deal with superior workflows. In these circumstances, third-party automation instruments like Nanonets will help you handle workflows which might be extra complicated or require integration with a number of methods.
For instance, Nanonets can combine your workflow approvals with platforms like Slack, e-mail, and even your CRM, streamlining processes while not having to deal with complicated scripting inside NetSuite.
Benefits of Nanonets for Workflow Automation:
- Reduces guide duties with AI-driven automation
- Can combine with a number of platforms (Slack, Groups, Zendesk, and many others.)
- Simply manages complicated workflows that span a number of methods
- Actual-time synchronization with NetSuite
Conclusion
NetSuite’s workflow instruments, particularly SuiteFlow, provide a robust solution to automate and streamline enterprise processes. Nonetheless, relying in your particular necessities, you might want to mix SuiteFlow with third-party instruments like Nanonets to create extra versatile, scalable workflows.
By leveraging the right combination of automation instruments, you possibly can streamline operations, enhance effectivity, and cut back guide duties throughout your group.