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Netsuite API integration
The cloud-based ERP solution NetSuite is adaptable and grows with businesses. Even while NetSuite is made to handle practically every area of a business, some organizations might prefer to use external third-party systems to carry out certain tasks, such as a separate CRM system.
Alternatively, businesses can develop their own proprietary software that they need to make sure can interface with their company management system.
A common question for NetSuite integration is how to actually go about it. To help you understand, we have put together the information below.
We will focus primarily on NetSuite API integration. This article is meant to serve as a guide and will depend on the degree of NetSuite integration, the quantity, and the project's goals.
Methods to Perform NetSuite API Integration
In order for crucial information, such as NetSuite business data, to be transmitted between two applications more effectively, an application programming interface, or API, acts as an intermediate. NetSuite provides comprehensive solutions in accordance with the unique needs of diverse sectors through its well-known NetSuite ERP.
Customers can customize NetSuite in this way to suit their needs. NetSuite also offers a number of ways to link partners and developers through NetSuite integration.
This will allow users to securely exchange data, reduce the risk of data entry errors, integrate NetSuite CRM with other software, and even perform direct to API integration.
In particular, SuiteScript and SuiteTalk are the two types of NetSuite API used for NetSuite integration. Let's examine both methods in more detail:
SuiteTalk
For integrating external systems with NetSuite, SuiteTalk integration platform is a common choice. It is a Web service integration tool. Through an API, a web service offers online access to data and capabilities. SuiteTalk transmits XML-based requests to and from NetSuite using a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)-based integration technique.
You can build your own unique application with SuiteTalk to extend NetSuite. Along with a toolkit for usage with PHP, it offers support for programming languages including C# and Java.
Through its established procedures, it can carry out all necessary types of tasks, enabling the application to deliver clear and consistent business process results to the native NetSuite user interface.
Customers and developers can easily perform NetSuite integration with a wide range of applications, including current on-premise investments and third-party cloud applications, as well as build website-to-NetSuite integrations or create simple custom mobile applications, thanks to SuiteTalk web services NetSuite integration.
SuiteScript
SuiteScript is a scripting language that helps you customize and expand the features of NetSuite. SuiteScript makes it possible to script at the application level with full functionality and support for complex procedural logic tp process data on both the client and server sides.
You have complete control over how you use NetSuite and all of the available data thanks to the built-in SuiteScript Debugger.
You can push and pull data from within NetSuite using the SuiteScript API for NetSuite. To integrate external APIs during NetSuite integration, the API enables basic, token-based, SSO authentication.
This degree of integration demands a significant understanding of SuiteScript API and the NetSuite application in general.
Comparing the two methods
With SuiteTalk and SuiteScript, the question becomes which to go for as a solution to importing and exporting data during NetSuite integration.
Integrating with SuiteTalk
The built-in integration tool for NetSuite is called SuiteTalk. NetSuite also supports additional integration strategies like RESTlets and Suitelets.
For both of these approaches, business logic must be written in code. Users simply need to use the SOAP web services APIs to send and receive requests to and from NetSuite while using SuiteTalk, which is code-free.
There is no wait time between the call and the records of business processes being delivered; SuiteTalk offers access to master data information and will quickly return information upon the request.
Additionally, it enables custom fields with automatic validation based on the field type and has extensive error handling to ensure dependable interactions.
Even when there is a difficult business requirement, SuiteTalk API enables developers to finish NetSuite connections with other apps. The NetSuite web services are exposed using the SuiteTalk API. As a result, integration should be created entirely on the side of the third-party program.
Integrating with SuiteScript
On the other hand, one of the greatest advantages of SuiteScript is that it is based on JavaScript, a standard in the business, and can thus be customized with HTML and CSS.
As a result, your internal developers won't need to learn a completely new programming language in order to work with NetSuite.
Because it is based on JavaScript, it also supports fully functional application-level scripting in NetSuite, which contributes to the platform's performance and versatility.
Using SuiteScript has a variety of benefits. For instance, SuiteScript modules simply load the data that is required, rather than all of it, which saves load time and the amount of processing power required to carry out the functions.
Another improvement is the switch to the Javascript syntax, which flattens the learning curve and enables the usage of external APIs in your own NetSuite system.
A closer look at SuiteScript
SuiteScript has a number of features that are advantageous to companies that utilize NetSuite. A few SuiteScript components are listed below:
Suitelets
You have the ability to create a unique user experience that is hosted within the NetSuite framework thanks to SuiteScript extensions provided by Suitelets.
Portlet SuiteScript
Portlet enables simple definition and listing of bespoke content or the incorporation of external data sources via RSS, HTML, Flash, and other methods on NetSuite dashboards.
Client SuiteScript
This feature performs processing such as verifying user-entered data or executing business logic while operating within the user's browser.
RESTlet
When used internally or externally, RESTlet is a form of SuiteScript that may be used to get, add, and edit records within NetSuite. RESTlet can be viewed as an alternative to NetSuite's SOAP-based web services in terms of its capability.
Which to Choose?
When integrating your applications with NetSuite via SuiteTalk, there are a few things to keep in mind. You might want to think about using RESTlets if you're integrating a web or mobile app.
Compared to SuiteTalk, REST APIs can be more suited for mobile devices and give developers more control over the logic and business processes. Concurrency restrictions in SuiteTalk also restrict the number of queries a user can submit at once. When selecting an integration strategy for your application or website, keep this in mind.
It is also important to remember that an expert integration partner can make a huge difference between a failed or seamless integration. If you’re unsure about your company’s ability for in-house integration, don’t hesitate to get outside experts.
API Connectors
To extract data from the NetSuite account database, connectors or Middlewares, act as an integration middleware product to connect to the NetSuite API. Users have a wide range of options from there.
For instance, businesses can add more NetSuite connectors by creating regular business processes that are templated. Additionally, users can automate notifications for any prospective status changes and start integration processes as well as other replies.
The connection gives you the adaptability and agility you require to complete tasks in a way that maximizes the financial success of your business.
Below are some of the connectors available to perform NetSuite API integration:
- NetSuite Magento integration
- NetSuite Salesforce integration
- NetSuite Shopify integration
- NetSuite Hubspot integration
As mentioned, these are only some of the available connectors in the market. It is important to note that not all connectors are compatible or operate smoothly with NetSuite API integration.
There are third-party applications that do not meet integration requirements and thus would not be recommended for integration application.
What type of connector you use for API management will depend on the scale of your project, your current and future needs, and choice of on-premise applications or cloud native environments.
Benefits of NetSuite API integration
Although NetSuite is typically utilized as a centralized system for finance, it is also employed in other departments including marketing, sales, and human resources.
And the benefits an integration brings can potentially encompass all of these departments.
Visibility
The main benefit of integrating NetSuite for a firm is real-time visibility. Making future-focused company decisions is ensured through visibility. Integrations provide more accurate decision-making at a faster pace.
Cost efficiency
The company may manage and reduce associated expenditures and further investments on numerous software programs with a flawless NetSuite integration.
Integrations with NetSuite have been shown to lower operating expenses and enhance business operations in areas such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and financial management..
Scalable integrations
The use of NetSuite integration helps businesses grow and expand across various locations, sales channels, and number of locations.
Upsell and cross-sell operations can be managed effectively by businesses. With good processes, they can also achieve improved growth.
Final Thoughts
You must ensure that your ERP system will continue to benefit you in the future because you are investing a significant amount of money in it.
But in order to achieve the actual visibility and agility that your company needs, you must link your NetSuite order processes into the rest of your environment and business processes.
SUEG has the expertise and credibility to make sure that your integration goes smoothly and is future-proof. We offer only the most time efficient integration solution that works best for your business. Click here to know more about our services and find out why SUEG is the best choice for an integration partner.
