Small inefficiencies compound fast. Here’s how to find them before they cost you.
When NetSuite workflows break down, it usually doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, small inefficiencies creep in quietly adding a few extra clicks here, a manual step there, until your team is wasting time, introducing errors, and losing confidence in the system.
The good news? These issues are often fixable. But first, you have to know what to look for.
Here are five common signs your NetSuite workflows may need attention:
1.Your Users Are Bypassing the System
If your team is regularly working “off the books” in Excel or Google Sheets, that’s a red flag. It typically means:
- The current workflow is too slow or clunky
- Fields or approvals are misconfigured
- There’s not enough automation for routine tasks
When users feel they can work faster outside NetSuite, it’s time to ask why-and fix the root cause.
2. Too Many Touchpoints for Simple Tasks
In NetSuite, the goal should always be to reduce friction. If processing a single transaction requires jumping between five records, or ten clicks just to get to an answer, you’re likely dealing with:
- Redundant record structures
- Unnecessary scripting
- Poor dashboard/report design
Efficient workflows streamline, not stretch out-daily processes.
3. Frequent User Errors or Incomplete Records
When records are consistently missing required fields, triggering errors, or needing frequent admin cleanup, that’s more than a training issue. It could mean:
- The workflow lacks validation rules
- Key information isn’t surfaced at the right moment
- Custom forms are poorly designed or inconsistent
A well-built workflow should guide users naturally toward completeness and accuracy.
4. You’re Not Leveraging Workflow Automation
If approvals, status changes, or notifications are still being handled manually, you’re leaving value on the table. NetSuite’s SuiteFlow engine can handle:
- Auto-routing transactions based on criteria
- Sending alerts for exceptions
- Updating records automatically
Workflows should work for you, not just sit idle in the background.
5. Reporting and Audit Trails Are a Mess
When it’s difficult to trace who did what or why a record is in its current state, it’s usually because:
- Workflows lack built-in status tracking
- Field histories or notes aren’t being captured
- There’s too much reliance on tribal knowledge
A solid workflow gives you visibility and accountability, not confusion.
Final Thought: Audit Before You Automate
Before you build out the next script, approval flow, or custom process-take a step back. Walk through your critical workflows from a user’s perspective. Talk to your team. Look at the logs. Pay attention to where frustration and friction live.
Efficiency in NetSuite isn’t just about adding more automation. It’s about building thoughtful, intuitive workflows that scale as your business grows.
Need help diagnosing your NetSuite workflows?
Ethos Business Solutions helps companies streamline operations and get more out of their NetSuite investment. Let’s talk.