Five helpful NetSuite dashboards

NetSuite’s versatile dashboard feature provides essential insights tailored to different business roles and functions. In this guide, we cover five pivotal NetSuite dashboards—customer, vendor, home and roles, new release, and executive insights—and include a detailed walkthrough for setting up one for yourself.

Creating a Customer Dashboard

These dashboards provide a comprehensive and customisable view of all customer-related information and activities in one location.

How it’s helpful:

• Enhances understanding of customer behaviours and preferences.
• Improves customer relationship management by providing actionable insights.
• Identifies opportunities for cross-selling and upselling.
• Enables proactive management of customer issues, enhancing service quality.

Walkthrough for creating a customer dashboard:

1. Access Your NetSuite dashboard:
   • Log in to your NetSuite account.
   • Navigate to your main dashboard, usually the first screen after logging in.
2. Switch to customer dashboard:
   • On the top of the NetSuite interface, locate and click the ‘Dashboard’ dropdown menu.
   • Select ‘Customer Dashboard’ from the list.
3. Customise your dashboard layout:
   • Click the ‘Personalise’ button in the top right corner of the dashboard.
   • This opens the dashboard customisation options.
4. Add standard customer portlets:
   • Choose from standard portlets like ‘KPIs,’ ‘Shortcuts,’ ‘Report Snapshots,’ and ‘Reminders.’
   • Drag and drop these portlets onto your dashboard layout.
5. Configure each portlet:
   • Click on the ‘Set Up’ or ‘Configure’ option on each portlet.
   • Customise the settings for each portlet based on the data you want to display.
6. Add customer-specific portlets:
   • Add customer-specific portlets like ‘Customer List,’ ‘Recent Records,’ and ‘Customer Search.’
   • Customise these to display relevant customer information, such as recent transactions and contact details.
7. Save your dashboard setup:
   • After configuring all desired portlets, save your setup.
   • The dashboard will display the selected information and metrics tailored to customer management.
8. Review and adjust as needed:
   • Spend time reviewing the dashboard to ensure it meets your needs.
   • You can return to ‘Personalise’ mode to make adjustments if necessary.
9. Set up access for other users (Optional):
   • If other team members need access to this dashboard, set up sharing options through NetSuite’s role-based permissions.
   • Ensure only authorised personnel have access to sensitive customer data.

Creating a Vendor Dashboard

A vendor dashboard offers quick insights into vendor relationships and the supply chain.

How it’s helpful:

• Streamlines vendor management and enhances supply chain efficiency.
• Facilitates better negotiation and collaboration with vendors.
• Aids in making informed purchasing decisions.
• Improves expense tracking and identifies cost-saving opportunities.

Walkthrough for creating a vendor dashboard:

1. Access your NetSuite dashboard:
   • Log into your NetSuite account.
   • You’ll start on your main dashboard, the default view upon login.
2. Switch to vendor dashboard:
   • Locate the ‘Dashboard’ dropdown menu at the top.
   • Select ‘Vendor Dashboard’ from the options.
3. Customise dashboard layout:
   • Click the ‘Personalise’ button in the top right corner to enter customisation mode.
4. Add vendor-specific portlets:
   • Choose and add portlets like ‘Purchase Orders,’ ‘Vendor Scorecard,’ ‘Accounts Payable,’ and ‘Expenses.’
   • Drag and drop these into your desired layout.
5. Configure each portlet:
   • Click on ‘Set Up’ or ‘Configure’ for each portlet.
   • Customise the settings to display relevant data and metrics.
6. Include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
   • Add a KPI portlet to track critical vendor metrics.
   • Select and configure the KPIs relevant to your vendor management goals.
7. Save your customisations:
   • Save your changes.
   • Your Vendor Dashboard will now display the chosen information.
8. Regularly review and update:
   • Periodically review and update the dashboard as needed.
9. Manage access and permissions (Optional):
   • Set up appropriate permissions and roles in NetSuite to share the dashboard securely.
   • Ensure sensitive information is accessible only to authorised personnel.

Navigation Portlet SuiteApp: Customising Home Dashboards for Roles

The Navigation Portlet SuiteApp in NetSuite allows admins to create role-specific portlets containing categorised quick links for easy access to reports, records, and other information.

How it’s helpful:

• Acts as a central hub, providing quick access to daily tasks and reminders.
• Streamlines workflow with customisable shortcuts and widgets.
• Displays real-time alerts, reminders, and KPIs, keeping users updated.

Before proceeding:

• Ensure you have administrative permissions to install SuiteApps and customise dashboards.
• Provide training or documentation for users to get accustomed to the new navigation portlet.
• Gather user feedback to continuously improve the portlet’s usefulness.

How to set up the Navigation Portlet SuiteApp:

1. Install the SuiteApp:
   • Navigate to Customisation > SuiteBundler > Search & Install Bundles > List.
   • Search for “Navigation Portlet SuiteApp,” then click ‘Install.’
2. Configure the Navigation Portlet:
   • Locate the Navigation Portlet within your installed SuiteApps.
   • Create a new navigation portlet.
3. Define Role-Specific Settings:
   • Choose which roles the portlet should be visible to.
   • Add categorised quick links to frequently used records and reports for each role.
4. Categorise and organise links:
   • Group related links under clear category headings.
   • Provide descriptive labels for easy navigation.
5. Add to Home Dashboard:
   • Decide on the portlet placement.
   • Use the dashboard customisation feature to drag and drop the Navigation Portlet.
6. Save and assign:
   • Save the configuration.
   • Ensure the portlet is assigned to the chosen roles.
7. Test and refine:
   • Test the functionality of the portlet as a user with the assigned role.
   • Refine the setup based on feedback.
8. Inform users:
   • Notify users of the new navigation portlet.
   • Provide instructions if needed.
9. Regular monitoring and updating:
   • Monitor the portlet’s usage and relevance.
   • Periodically update it to reflect changes in commonly accessed areas.

Creating a New Release Portlet

The New Release Portlet keeps you informed about the latest NetSuite updates and features.

How it’s helpful:

• Keeps you informed about the latest releases and improvements.
• Offers a gateway to the Release Preview account to test new functionalities.
• Aids in strategic planning by understanding new features and capabilities.

Walkthrough for creating the New Release Portlet:

1. Access personalisation settings:
   • Log into your NetSuite account.
   • On your home screen, click ‘Personalise.’
2. Enter personalise mode:
   • This mode lets you add, remove, or rearrange dashboard portlets.
3. Add the New Release Portlet:
   • Look for the “New Release” icon or option and add it to your dashboard.
   • Drag and drop it to your preferred location.
4. Configure the Portlet (If needed):
   • Click on the small gear icon on the portlet to configure settings.
   • Set up alerts for new release notes if desired.
5. Accessing Release Notes and Preview Account:
   • Find links to the latest release notes in the portlet.
   • Review detailed information about new features and improvements.
6. Save your dashboard:
   • After adding the New Release Portlet, save your changes.

Executive Insights Dashboard

An ‘Executive Insights Dashboard’ provides top-level executives with a comprehensive snapshot of the organisation’s health and progress.

How it’s helpful:

• Offers a high-level view of company performance, including financial, operational, and market data.
• Helps identify business trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
• Consolidates essential information, saving time.

Walkthrough for creating an executive insights dashboard:

1. Access your NetSuite dashboard:
   • Log in to your NetSuite account.
   • Navigate to your main dashboard.
2. Switch to the Executive Dashboard:
   • Use the ‘Dashboard’ dropdown menu at the top.
   • Select ‘Executive Dashboard’ for a high-level overview.
3. Customise the dashboard:
   • Click ‘Personalise’ in the top right corner.
   • Open customisation options.
4. Add strategic Portlets:
   • Choose portlets like ‘Financial Scorecard,’ ‘KPI Meter,’ ‘Revenue Forecast,’ and ‘Expense Analysis.’
   • Drag and drop these onto your layout.
5. Configure Portlets for a broad overview:
   • Set up each portlet to display overarching company metrics.
   • Use ‘Configure’ for specific settings.
6. Incorporate real-time data feeds:
   • Add widgets offering real-time data like stock market performance or industry news.
7. Save and review the dashboard:
   • Save your changes.
   • Review to ensure it provides a comprehensive executive overview.
8. Regularly update the dashboard:
   • Keep the dashboard updated with the latest KPIs and metrics.
   • Adjust as business strategies and market conditions evolve.
9. Control Access:
   • Restrict access to authorised executives and stakeholders.