Skip to main content

Upgrade & Release Preparation

Prepare for NetSuite's regular updates.

How NetSuite Updates Work​

NETSUITE RELEASE CYCLE
===============================================================================

NetSuite releases updates TWICE per year:
├── Release 1: Usually February-April
└── Release 2: Usually August-October

Rollout happens in waves:
├── Sandbox accounts: First (several weeks early)
├── Production accounts: Phased by region
└── You cannot skip updates

Before the Release​

Check Release Notes​

FINDING RELEASE INFORMATION
===============================================================================

Step 1: Navigate to SuiteAnswers
Help > SuiteAnswers (or help.netsuite.com)

Step 2: Search for release notes
Search: "[Year] Release [1 or 2]"
Example: "2024 Release 1"

Step 3: Review the document
├── New Features
├── Changed Features
├── Deprecated Features
└── Known Issues

Key Sections to Review​

SectionLook For
AccountingChanges to transaction behavior
SuiteScriptAPI changes (if you have scripts)
Custom FormsForm changes
ReportsReport formula changes
UI/UXNavigation changes

Testing in Sandbox​

Sandbox Purpose​

SANDBOX = YOUR TEST ENVIRONMENT
===============================================================================

What is Sandbox?
├── Copy of your production account
├── Gets updates BEFORE production
├── Safe place to test
└── Data can be refreshed from production

What to test:
├── Critical workflows (order to invoice)
├── Custom scripts
├── Integrations
├── Reports used for decisions
└── Custom forms

Testing Checklist​

RELEASE TESTING CHECKLIST
===============================================================================

□ Sales workflow
  ├── Create quote → order → fulfillment → invoice
  └── Check: All fields, GL postings, forms working

□ Purchase workflow
  ├── Create PO → receive → bill
  └── Check: Inventory updates, approvals

□ Financial processes
  ├── Journal entry → period close
  └── Check: Reports, trial balance

□ Custom scripts (if any)
  ├── Run each script
  └── Check: No errors in logs

□ Integrations (if any)
  ├── Test data sync
  └── Check: All connections working

□ Key reports
  ├── Run critical reports
  └── Check: Numbers match expected

Release Day​

What to Expect​

RELEASE DAY TIMELINE
===============================================================================

Before Release:
├── NetSuite email notification (days ahead)
└── Scheduled maintenance window announced

During Release:
├── Brief downtime possible
├── Usually overnight/weekend
└── Login may be slow briefly

After Release:
├── New features available
├── UI may look different
└── Review what changed

Immediate Post-Release​

AFTER THE UPDATE
===============================================================================

Step 1: Log in and verify
├── Check: You can log in
├── Check: Dashboard loads
└── Check: No obvious errors

Step 2: Quick smoke tests
├── Create a test transaction
├── Run a standard report
└── Access key lists

Step 3: Check custom items
├── Custom forms: Still working?
├── Custom scripts: Running without error?
├── Saved searches: Results look right?

Step 4: Report issues
├── If something broke: Document it
├── Contact support if critical
└── Check SuiteAnswers for known issues

Change Management​

Communicating to Users​

USER COMMUNICATION TEMPLATE
===============================================================================

Subject: NetSuite Update - [Date]

What's Happening:
NetSuite will be updated on [date] during [time window].

What You'll Notice:
├── [List visible changes]
├── [New features they'll see]
└── [Things that moved]

What You Need to Do:
├── [Any training needed]
├── [New process steps]
└── [Who to contact with issues]

Questions?
Contact [admin name] at [email]

Training for New Features​

Change TypeTraining Needed
New button/menu locationQuick email with screenshot
New feature (optional)Brief overview for interested users
New feature (mandatory)Training session or video
Major workflow changeHands-on training + documentation

Troubleshooting Post-Release​

Common Issues​

IssueLikely CauseFix
Script errorsAPI changedCheck SuiteScript changes in release notes
Form looks differentForm updatedRe-customize if needed
Report wrongFormula changedReview report, adjust formula
Integration failingAPI versionCheck integration vendor

Getting Help​

SUPPORT OPTIONS
===============================================================================

Self-Service:
├── SuiteAnswers: Search for your issue
├── Release Notes: Check known issues section
└── User Forum: Community Solutions

NetSuite Support:
├── Setup > Support > Contact Support
├── Or: Case portal at support.netsuite.com
└── Include: Error message, steps to reproduce

For Customizations:
├── Contact your implementation partner
├── Or internal development team
└── They understand your specific setup

Quick Reference​

I want to...Go to
See release notesHelp > SuiteAnswers > Search release
Check my NetSuite versionHelp > About NetSuite
Access sandboxSwitch role to sandbox (if configured)
Report an issueSetup > Support > Contact Support
See known issuesSuiteAnswers > Release > Known Issues

Release Preparation Checklist​

PREPARATION CHECKLIST
===============================================================================

4-6 Weeks Before:
□ Read release notes
□ Identify changes that affect you
□ Plan testing schedule

2-4 Weeks Before:
□ Refresh sandbox (if needed)
□ Begin testing critical workflows
□ Test custom scripts and integrations

1 Week Before:
□ Complete testing
□ Prepare user communication
□ Schedule any needed training

Release Day:
□ Verify system is working
□ Run quick smoke tests
□ Send "all clear" to users

Post-Release:
□ Monitor for issues
□ Address user questions
□ Document any workarounds needed

Key Takeaways​

  1. Releases are mandatory - you can't skip them
  2. Test in sandbox first - find issues before production
  3. Review release notes - know what's changing
  4. Communicate to users - no surprises
  5. Have a rollback plan - for custom items if issues arise