Customizations can be helpful when they solve a clear business need, but they can become difficult to support when no one remembers why they were created or how they work.
Good documentation helps future admins understand the purpose, ownership, setup, and impact of each customization.
Scenario
A new admin reviews an existing NetSuite account and finds several customizations, such as:
- custom fields
- custom forms
- custom records
- workflows
- scripts
- saved searches
Some are still active, some may be outdated, and others have no clear owner or explanation.
Without documentation, the admin may not know whether a customization can be updated, replaced, or retired.
Solution
Create a simple customization inventory that records the most important details.
The goal is not to document every small detail at first. Start with enough information to help future admins understand what the customization is, why it exists, and who depends on it.
What to Document
Customization Name
Record the name of the customization.
Example:
- Vendor Compliance Status Field
- Customer Onboarding Checklist Record
- Approval Routing Workflow
Type
Identify what kind of customization it is.
Examples:
- custom field
- custom form
- custom record
- workflow
- script
- saved search
Business Purpose
Explain why the customization exists.
Example:
- Tracks whether a vendor has completed compliance review.
- Routes requests to finance when the amount exceeds a threshold.
- Displays onboarding checkpoints on the customer record.
Owner or Requesting Team
Identify who uses or owns the customization.
Examples:
- Finance
- Sales Operations
- Procurement
- Customer Onboarding
- IT
Related Records or Forms
Note where the customization is used.
Examples:
- Vendor record
- Customer form
- Purchase Order
- Custom Request Record
Dependencies
List anything connected to the customization.
Examples:
- workflow
- saved search
- script
- custom list
- related field
- role permission
Current Status
Mark whether the customization is:
- Active
- Under Review
- Deprecated
- Retired
This helps admins know what should still be supported.
Simple Documentation Template
Use a simple table or tracking list with columns such as:
- Customization Name
- Type
- Record Type
- Business Purpose
- Owner
- Related Forms or Records
- Dependencies
- Status
- Notes
This can be maintained in a spreadsheet, internal documentation page, or another approved tracking tool.
References
- SA: SuiteBuilder – Customization (ID: 1045873)
Notes
- Start documenting high-impact customizations first.
- Include the business reason, not just the technical setup.
- Record dependencies before making changes.
- Update documentation when customizations are changed.
- Avoid deleting undocumented customizations until usage is confirmed.
- Review documentation during admin handoffs.
- Keep the format simple so it is easy to maintain.
Summary
Documenting customizations helps future admins support NetSuite more confidently. A simple inventory of names, types, purpose, owners, dependencies, and status can reduce confusion and make future cleanup or updates safer.
Good documentation does not need to be complex. It just needs to be clear, current, and useful.
Share your insights and experiences in the NetSuite Admin Corner.
