When evaluating NetSuite SuiteAnalytics and NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW), it’s important to consider how each tool fits into real-world use cases. Because while both provide robust analytics capabilities, they’re designed for different needs, making the choice between them dependent on your business’s specific requirements and goals.
SuiteAnalytics offers embedded simplicity for operational insights
SuiteAnalytics is the tool you turn to for immediate, actionable insights. As a native part of NetSuite, it requires no additional implementation and integrates seamlessly with the platform’s UI. Its core strength lies in operational reporting, offering real-time or near real-time visibility into financial, sales and operational data. This makes it particularly useful for businesses that rely on NetSuite as their centralised ERP solution and need quick access to performance data to inform daily decisions.
For example, a finance team might use SuiteAnalytics to monitor accounts receivable ageing or identify revenue trends at a glance. Similarly, sales managers can track pipeline performance without leaving NetSuite’s ecosystem. The simplicity of its design means minimal training is needed and its customisable dashboards make it easy to tailor reports for different roles within the organisation.
NSAW is for advanced analytics and strategic decision-making
NetSuite Analytics Warehouse takes analytics a step further by broadening the scope of data you can analyse. It’s designed for businesses with complex, multi-source data environments that extend beyond NetSuite’s native ecosystem.
With NSAW, you can pull in data from CRM systems, eCommerce platforms, external databases and even multiple NetSuite instances, enabling a consolidated view of your operations.
This expanded scope makes NSAW invaluable for strategic decision-making. Use cases often revolve around long-term trend analysis, predictive modelling and cross-functional insights. For example:
- A retail business with an omnichannel strategy could use NSAW to combine eCommerce sales data with in-store performance metrics to identify growth opportunities.
- A multinational company might rely on the tool’s machine learning capabilities to forecast demand and optimise supply chain operations across regions.
While the implementation process is more involved than SuiteAnalytics, the payoff is significant for organisations looking to scale their analytics capabilities or uncover deeper insights using AI and machine learning.
Key differences:
SuiteAnalytics: Simplifies operational analytics with built-in tools, perfect for NetSuite-focused tasks.
Analytics Warehouse: Expands capabilities with scalable, AI-driven analytics for strategic, multi-source insights.
| Feature | NetSuite SuiteAnalytics | NetSuite Analytics Warehouse |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | Fully integrated within NetSuite, no setup required. | Add-on module. Implementation takes 2–6 weeks. |
| User Interface | Built-in, user-friendly interface for creating reports and dashboards. | Advanced UI for complex analysis, supports external data and multiple NetSuite instances. |
| Data Sources | Limited to NetSuite data, ideal for operational analytics. | Combines NetSuite and external data, centralising diverse datasets. |
| Performance | Optimised for everyday operational reporting. | Designed for large datasets and advanced analytics at scale. |
| Machine Learning | Provides basic analytics but lacks AI or machine learning. | Includes predictive analytics powered by AI and machine learning. |
| Customisation | Allows customisation of reports and dashboards using NetSuite data. | Greater flexibility with custom data models and integration pipelines. |
| Cost | Included in the standard NetSuite package. | Additional cost based on tier: Standard (1TB, 10 users), Premium (3TB, 50 users, sandbox), or Enterprise (5TB, 100 users, sandbox). |
| Scalability | Best suited for companies focused on NetSuite data. | Highly scalable, handling diverse and growing data needs. |
| Security | Inherits NetSuite security, including role-based access. | Offers customisable security features and granular access control. |
| Collaboration | Enables sharing of reports and dashboards within NetSuite. | Advanced sharing options and integration with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI. |
| Updates | Part of NetSuite’s standard updates, requiring no extra maintenance. | Requires separate updates and maintenance for the module. |
| Reporting Speed | Real-time or near real-time reporting within NetSuite. | Batch processing for complex and historical data analysis, not real-time. |
When to choose each tool
SuiteAnalytics excels in environments where simplicity, speed and integration are priorities. If your organisation operates primarily within NetSuite and requires on-demand operational insights without complexity, SuiteAnalytics is the clear choice.
NSAW, on the other hand, is the go-to option for businesses with complex data landscapes. If you’re dealing with disparate data sources or need enterprise-level analytics to drive long-term strategy, NSAW provides the advanced capabilities to meet those demands.
Want a walkthrough?
If you’re an existing Annexa customer, contact us to discuss which analytics solution is right for you.
Learn more:
- NetSuite data and analytics: a practical guide for growing businesses >
- Introducing NetSuite Analytics Warehouse [Video demo] >
- What is a SuiteAnalytics Workbook? >
- From dashboards to data lakes – exploring NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW) >
- Turn numbers into narratives with NetSuite’s financial reporting & analytics tools >
- How NetSuite Analytics Warehouse consolidates your data for richer business insights >
- The mega guide to NetSuite modules (2024) >