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Access Overview

How users authenticate and access NetSuite.


Types of Access​

NETSUITE ACCESS TYPES
===============================================================================

INTERNAL USERS (Employees)
├── Full NetSuite login
├── Assigned roles
├── Access via web browser
└── Most common user type

EXTERNAL USERS (Customers/Vendors/Partners)
├── Limited portal access
├── Customer Center / Partner Center
├── See only their own data
└── Subset of functionality

API/INTEGRATION
├── System-to-system access
├── Token-based authentication
├── No user interface
└── For integrations and scripts

User Login Process​

HOW USERS LOG IN
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Step 1: User goes to login URL
├── system.netsuite.com
└── Or custom company URL

Step 2: Enter credentials
├── Email address
└── Password

Step 3: Two-Factor Authentication (if enabled)
├── Authenticator app code
└── Or SMS code

Step 4: Select Role (if multiple roles)
└── Choose role for this session

Step 5: Dashboard appears
└── User is logged in

Authentication Methods​

Standard Login (Email + Password)​

SettingWhere to Configure
Password policySetup > Company > Login Restrictions
Failed login lockoutSetup > Company > Login Restrictions
Session timeoutSetup > Company > General Preferences

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)​

2FA OPTIONS
===============================================================================

Authenticator App (Recommended):
├── Google Authenticator
├── Microsoft Authenticator
├── Authy
└── Most secure option

SMS Text:
├── Code sent to phone
├── Backup option
└── Less secure than app

Email:
├── Code sent to email
├── Not recommended
└── Least secure option

Single Sign-On (SSO)​

For organizations with identity providers:

SSO OVERVIEW
===============================================================================

What is SSO?
├── Users log in via company identity provider
├── Examples: Okta, Azure AD, OneLogin
├── One password for all apps
└── IT manages credentials centrally

How it works:
Step 1: User goes to NetSuite
Step 2: Redirected to company login page
Step 3: User authenticates with company credentials
Step 4: Redirected back to NetSuite (logged in)

Benefits:
├── Centralized user management
├── Automatic provisioning/deprovisioning
├── Stronger security policies
└── Better user experience

Giving Users Access​

Step-by-Step: Enable User Login​

HOW TO GIVE A USER ACCESS
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Step 1: Create/Edit Employee Record
Lists > Employees > Employees > [Employee]

Step 2: Go to Access Tab
├── Give Access: ✓ (check this!)
├── Manually Assign Password: Enter password
├── Or: Send Notification Email (user sets own)
└── Email: Must be valid for login

Step 3: Assign Roles
├── In Roles section, click "Add"
├── Select role(s) for this user
└── Set default role (if multiple)

Step 4: Save

Result: User can now log in

Common Issues​

ProblemCauseSolution
Can't log in"Give Access" not checkedCheck the box
No email receivedEmail address wrongVerify email
Wrong passwordUser error or lockedReset password
Can't see anythingNo roles assignedAdd role(s)

Session Management​

Session Timeout​

SESSION SETTINGS
===============================================================================

Navigation: Setup > Company > General Preferences

Settings:
├── Session Idle Timeout: 60 minutes
└── User gets logged out after inactivity

Best Practice:
├── Shorter timeout = more security
├── Longer timeout = more convenience
└── Balance based on risk

Concurrent Sessions​

SettingEffect
Allow multiple sessionsUser can log in from multiple devices
Single session onlyLogging in elsewhere logs out first session

Removing Access​

HOW TO REMOVE USER ACCESS
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Method 1: Remove Roles (keeps record)
├── Edit employee record
├── Go to Access tab
├── Remove all roles
└── User can't access but record remains

Method 2: Uncheck Give Access (keeps record)
├── Edit employee record
├── Go to Access tab
├── Uncheck "Give Access"
└── Login disabled

Method 3: Inactivate Employee (recommended for terminated)
├── Edit employee record
├── Check "Inactive"
├── Removes access AND hides from lists
└── Preserves history

Quick Reference​

I want to...Go to
Give user accessEmployee > Access tab > Give Access ✓
Reset passwordEmployee > Access tab > Password
Add roleEmployee > Access tab > Roles > Add
Remove accessEmployee > Access tab > Remove roles or uncheck Give Access
Set session timeoutSetup > Company > General Preferences
Configure 2FASetup > Company > Two-Factor Authentication

Key Takeaways​

  1. Give Access checkbox must be checked for login
  2. User needs at least one role to do anything
  3. 2FA adds security - require for sensitive roles
  4. SSO centralizes user management
  5. Inactivate users when they leave (don't delete)