NetSuite is a powerful ERP, but it doesn’t always fit your business like a glove right out of the box. Maybe you’re stuck with clunky manual processes, struggling to get your data flowing between systems, or constantly adjusting workarounds just to keep things running.
That’s where custom NetSuite development comes in. Instead of forcing your business to adapt to a standard system, you can fine-tune NetSuite to match your exact needs.
The result? Fewer bottlenecks, better automation, and a system that works the way you actually work.
But custom development isn’t just about adding features. If you don’t approach it strategically, you can end up with bloated code, slow performance, or a tangled mess that’s impossible to maintain.
That’s why we’re breaking it down into eight expert tips—the ones we use every day at Stockton10 to build NetSuite solutions that actually work.
If you want a faster, more efficient, and fully optimized NetSuite system, keep reading.
1. Define Clear Business Goals Before Writing Any Line of Code
Not every NetSuite challenge requires custom development. Sometimes, a built-in feature or minor configuration tweak can get the job done. But when you start forcing workarounds, juggling spreadsheets, or hitting system limitations, it’s time to consider a custom solution.
Here’s when custom NetSuite development makes sense:
- You need to automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
- Your business processes don’t fit standard NetSuite workflows.
- You require third-party integrations that NetSuite doesn’t support out of the box.
- You’re scaling fast and need flexible solutions that grow with you.
At Stockton10, we don’t push unnecessary customizations. Instead, we evaluate your needs first and only recommend development when it truly benefits your business.
Pro Tip: If you’re constantly adapting your business to fit NetSuite, rather than the other way around, it’s time to customize.
2. Build with Scalability in Mind
Jumping straight into custom NetSuite development without a plan is like building a house without blueprints—you’ll waste time, resources, and end up with something that doesn’t quite fit. Before writing a single line of code, map out exactly what you need and why.
Ask yourself:
- What specific problems are we solving?
- Which workflows need automation?
- What third-party integrations do we require?
- How will this scale with our business?
At Stockton10, we always start with a discovery phase, working closely with clients to define goals, identify pain points, and outline the best approach. A solid strategy not only saves time and money but also ensures your customizations actually improve your operations instead of complicating them.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple. The best NetSuite customizations solve real problems without unnecessary complexity. Overengineering leads to headaches down the road.
3. Choose the Right NetSuite Development Tools
What works today might slow you down tomorrow. Custom NetSuite development should support future growth, not just current needs.
If your custom scripts, workflows, or integrations aren’t designed for scalability, you could end up with performance issues, maintenance headaches, and expensive fixes down the line.
Here’s how to future-proof your NetSuite customizations:
- Use modular development for flexibility – Breaking custom scripts and SuiteScripts into reusable components keeps your system adaptable as your business scales. This makes it easier to expand functionality without major rewrites.
- Follow NetSuite’s best practices for performance – Poorly optimized SuiteScript development can slow down NetSuite, especially as data volume grows. Our certified NetSuite developers optimize scripts for efficiency and speed, ensuring your system runs smoothly.
- Prioritize scalable NetSuite integrations – When integrating third-party applications (like CRM, e-commerce, or payment gateways), avoid hard-coded connections. Use NetSuite API integrations that can handle increasing data flow without breaking as your business expands.
- Keep NetSuite updates in mind – NetSuite rolls out twice-yearly updates. Custom solutions should be built using NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Development Framework (SDF) to ensure they remain compatible and easy to maintain over time.
Pro Tip: Don’t hard-code key business logic into scripts. Use custom NetSuite fields and configurations so you can adjust workflows and settings without modifying code every time your business evolves.
4. Keep Customizations Lean—More Code Isn’t Always Better
It’s easy to get carried away when customizing NetSuite to fit your business needs. But too many customizations can create complexity that’s hard to manage and scale. Over-customizing can also lead to system instability and expensive future upgrades.
Here's how to keep things clean:
- Focus on the essentials – Don’t build unnecessary features just because you can. Start by focusing on custom modules that address your specific pain points or critical workflows.
- Use NetSuite’s native functionality – Before you start building custom solutions, check if NetSuite’s out-of-the-box features or SuiteFlow automation can meet your needs. Custom development should extend the system, not reinvent it.
- Limit custom scripts – Custom SuiteScripts should only be used when there's no other viable option. Excessive custom coding can complicate future upgrades and require ongoing maintenance.
- Future-proof your customizations – Focus on building simple, maintainable solutions that align with NetSuite’s core structure. This will make it easier to update and scale your system without extensive rework.
Pro Tip: Regularly audit your customized NetSuite solutions. Remove outdated customizations and refactor scripts that are no longer needed to avoid unnecessary complexity.
5. User Experience Matters—Don’t Forget the Front-End
A system is only as good as how your team interacts with it. If your employees struggle with using your customizations, your system isn’t doing its job. One of the biggest mistakes in custom NetSuite development is neglecting the user experience (UX).
Here’s how to make sure your NetSuite system is a tool that works for your team, not against them:
- Prioritize user-friendly design – Your custom dashboards, reports, and interfaces should be simple and intuitive. Work closely with end users to understand their needs and pain points. Tailor the user experience so that the information they need is easy to access and understand.
- Simplify processes – Eliminate unnecessary steps. If you can automate tasks or reduce manual input, do it. Streamlining business processes within NetSuite is key to improving productivity. Use SuiteFlow and SuiteScript to automate repetitive tasks, and design custom workflows that mirror real-world operations.
- Mobile optimization – In today’s world, your team is on the go. Ensure that your custom NetSuite solution is mobile-friendly and supports access from anywhere. You can even build mobile-specific apps to ensure full functionality no matter where your team is working.
- Training and support – A great custom system is only effective if your users know how to use it. Invest time in training and providing easy-to-follow guides. Make sure support is available whenever your team encounters challenges.
Pro Tip: Constantly gather feedback from your team and make iterative improvements. A system that evolves with its users will always stay ahead.
6. Test, Test, and Test Again Before Going Live
Custom NetSuite development can transform your business operations by automating tasks that would otherwise take up valuable time. Automation isn't just about making things easier; it’s about enhancing productivity and minimizing errors.
Here’s how to make automation work for your business:
- Identify repetitive tasks – Start by identifying manual processes that eat up time. It could be anything from invoice creation to inventory management. NetSuite’s customization tools can automate these processes, freeing up your team to focus on higher-priority tasks.
- Use SuiteFlow and SuiteScript – SuiteFlow is NetSuite’s native tool for workflow automation. Customize it to automate processes like approvals, notifications, and status updates. For more complex needs, SuiteScript can be used to create custom scripts that perform automated actions in the system, allowing for highly tailored solutions.
- Custom Reporting Automation – Reporting is often a time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Set up automated reports that are generated and emailed at specific times. This ensures you have real-time insights without having to manually run reports.
- Integrate third-party tools – Don’t limit your automation to just NetSuite. Many businesses use third-party applications for specific functions like CRM, HR, or payroll. Integrate these tools with NetSuite to create a seamless flow of information. This reduces data entry, enhances accuracy, and increases efficiency.
Pro Tip: Test automation workflows thoroughly before going live to ensure they’re working as expected and don’t disrupt business operations.
7. Prioritize Data Integrity and Security
When you're customizing NetSuite, you’re dealing with sensitive business data, and one mistake could have lasting consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to keep data integrity and security at the forefront of your development strategy.
Here’s how you can protect your data while building custom solutions:
- Stick to best practices for data migration – If you’re migrating data from another system into NetSuite, always follow data migration best practices. This means conducting thorough testing, validating data before the migration, and ensuring that there are no discrepancies or errors during the transition.
- Leverage NetSuite’s built-In security features – NetSuite comes with built-in security controls that help protect your data, like role-based access and multi-factor authentication. Use these tools to ensure that only the right people have access to sensitive information.
- Regularly update custom scripts and integrations – Custom NetSuite scripts and integrations can sometimes introduce vulnerabilities if they aren’t regularly updated. Stay on top of security patches and best practices for any third-party apps you integrate with NetSuite.
- Backup your data regularly – Data loss can happen at any time, so it’s important to have a backup strategy in place. NetSuite provides ways to back up your data, but it’s always a good idea to also store backups in separate locations, whether on an external server or using a cloud-based solution.
Pro Tip: Regularly audit your security settings and test for vulnerabilities. This helps identify weak spots in your custom NetSuite solutions before they become a problem.
8. Collaborate with Certified NetSuite Developers
When building custom solutions for your business, working with certified NetSuite developers is essential. These experts understand the platform inside and out, ensuring your customizations are not only effective but also optimized for performance.
Here’s why you should prioritize working with certified developers:
- Deep expertise in NetSuite – Certified developers have the experience and knowledge to leverage NetSuite’s full potential. They’re well-versed in SuiteScript, SuiteFlow, and other advanced features, ensuring your custom solutions are built to last.
- Stay ahead of platform updates – NetSuite is constantly evolving with new features and updates. Certified developers stay up to date with these changes and can ensure your customizations remain compatible and efficient after each update.
- Minimize the risk of costly errors – Custom development requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. By working with NetSuite experts, you reduce the risk of errors that could lead to downtime, data loss, or system performance issues.
- Save time and resources – A skilled NetSuite developer can complete projects faster and more efficiently than someone unfamiliar with the platform. Their expertise will prevent unnecessary delays and reduce the need for extensive troubleshooting.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether a developer has the right expertise, always check for NetSuite certifications like NetSuite SuiteFoundation or NetSuite ERP Developer. These certifications are proof of their capabilities.
Custom NetSuite Development Done Right
Customizing NetSuite isn’t about altering the system to fit your needs—it’s about making NetSuite work for you in the most efficient, scalable, and user-friendly way possible. By following these best practices, you ensure that your custom development will support your growth and improve your operations, without overcomplicating the process.
At Stockton10, our certified NetSuite developers specialize in building tailored solutions that truly benefit your business. Whether you’re looking to automate processes, integrate third-party apps, or scale your system, we’ve got you covered.
Book a call with us today to start building a NetSuite solution that truly powers your growth.
Partner with us, and let’s transform how your business operates—more efficiency, fewer headaches, and a system that works for you, not the other way around.
