Top NetSuite Analytics Features Every Business Should Use

NetSuite is one of the most powerful cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms available today, helping businesses manage everything from finances to customer relationships. One of the standout elements of NetSuite is its comprehensive analytics tools, which enable businesses to leverage data for smarter decision-making. Understanding and using these analytics features can provide a competitive edge in business operations. In this article, we’ll explore the top NetSuite analytics features that every business should use to maximize efficiency and drive growth.

1. SuiteAnalytics Dashboard

The SuiteAnalytics Dashboard is one of the most useful features in NetSuite. It offers businesses the ability to customize and visualize real-time data directly from their ERP system. The dashboard is user-friendly and can be configured to display key performance indicators (KPIs), charts, graphs, and saved searches that are relevant to specific roles within the organization.

Each user can have a customized dashboard tailored to their needs, which allows different teams—whether it’s finance, sales, or operations—to track their most important metrics in real-time. For example, the finance team might track cash flow, while the sales team could focus on monitoring the number of new leads and the value of deals in the pipeline. The ability to see this data visually and in real-time helps teams stay aligned and make data-driven decisions.

2. Saved Searches

Saved Searches are a dynamic tool that allows users to pull specific data from the NetSuite database quickly and efficiently. This feature is incredibly powerful because it lets users create custom queries that display data in real-time. Whether it’s tracking inventory levels, monitoring sales trends, or evaluating customer satisfaction metrics, Saved Searches provide detailed reports that can be tailored to suit any department’s needs.

The results from these searches can be exported, filtered, and manipulated without affecting the underlying data, making it an excellent tool for generating custom reports. Furthermore, the automated feature allows reports to be sent to relevant stakeholders at predetermined intervals, streamlining communication and ensuring everyone has the latest data available.

3. SuiteAnalytics Workbooks

SuiteAnalytics Workbooks is an advanced feature that offers users the flexibility to explore data using sophisticated filtering, pivoting, and charting capabilities. It provides an intuitive interface for users to work with datasets from within NetSuite and generate insights without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Workbooks also support multi-dimensional analysis, meaning users can analyze large volumes of data across various aspects of their business. Whether it’s examining sales data by geography, product line, or customer segment, SuiteAnalytics Workbooks offer a powerful way to dive deep into business performance and uncover valuable insights. Additionally, users can share these workbooks with others in the organization, fostering better collaboration and data sharing across departments.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs are critical for monitoring the health of any business, and NetSuite’s built-in KPI functionality is second to none. With NetSuite, users can set up and track KPIs specific to their business goals. These KPIs can range from revenue growth and profit margins to customer satisfaction scores and employee productivity.

NetSuite provides real-time KPI meters and scorecards, which allow businesses to visualize their performance and quickly spot trends, issues, or opportunities. The ability to customize KPIs and set alerts when certain thresholds are met or exceeded means that businesses can stay on top of their targets and make informed decisions in a timely manner.

5. SuiteAnalytics Connect

SuiteAnalytics Connect enables users to access and analyze their NetSuite data using external tools like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or any other third-party Business Intelligence (BI) software. This feature is especially useful for businesses that need to perform more advanced or large-scale analysis outside of NetSuite’s native platform.

By using SuiteAnalytics Connect, businesses can integrate their NetSuite data with other systems and create custom analytics solutions that fit their unique business processes. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their reporting and analysis to fit their specific needs, providing a robust solution for companies looking to go beyond the standard NetSuite reporting tools.

6. Advanced PDF/HTML Templates

NetSuite allows businesses to create customized PDF and HTML templates for their reports and analytics outputs. This means that users can produce professional-looking reports that match their branding, which is useful for both internal and external reporting. The Advanced PDF/HTML Templates feature is particularly beneficial for creating detailed financial reports, invoices, and customer statements that need to be presented in a structured and visually appealing format.

Conclusion

NetSuite’s analytics tools provide businesses with powerful features to analyze data, track performance, and drive informed decision-making. From the user-friendly dashboards to the advanced capabilities of SuiteAnalytics Workbooks and Connect, businesses can tailor their analytics to fit their specific needs. By leveraging these key features—such as Saved Searches, KPIs, and custom templates—companies can streamline their operations, gain deeper insights into their performance, and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, using these analytics tools within NetSuite is crucial for maximizing the potential of your ERP system and driving growth.