Explore the Hidden Gems of NetSuite Global Search

NetSuite’s Global Search feature often takes a backseat to its more celebrated counterparts like Saved Searches or Custom Records. However, dismissing it as just a quick search tool overlooks its depth and potential for productivity gains. 

At DataOngoing, we believe in empowering businesses with tailored technology solutions, which means diving deep into every feature—no matter how seemingly straightforward—to extract maximum value.

Global Search Described On a Basic Level

1. Quick and Easy: Global Search is like the Google Search of NetSuite. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require any setup.
2. Broad Scope: This search scans through multiple record types simultaneously, which can be beneficial for quick lookups.
3. Keyword-based: Type a keyword or phrase into the search bar, and you’ll get results from various categories such as customers, transactions, and items.
4. Limited Customization: While you can use some special search syntax, the level of customization is far less than what you get with Saved Searches.

Most NetSuite users are content to simply punch in a keyword and let the search engine do the heavy lifting. But there’s so much more to discover! With a little effort and imagination, the possibilities for effective NetSuite global searching are endless. From refining your search terms to utilizing advanced features, I’ve compiled some tried-and-true tactics to help you unlock your NetSuite search potential and elevate your productivity game.

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The Underestimated Power of Global Search

Contrary to popular perception, Global Search is for more than just rookies or for conducting surface-level data retrieval. Its innate capability to sift through multiple record types using keywords is just the tip of the iceberg. But if you stop there, you’re missing out on some functionalities that could streamline your workflow and help you connect the dots more easily.

Now, let’s unpack the lesser-known search features you need to start using regularly. 

• Use % as a wildcard in numeric or alpha keywords to return all records containing the keyword. Use it to prefix or suffix keywords where you want “any match”. For example, enter “inv:%115” to display any invoices containing 115 anywhere in the invoice. 

• Capitalize the first letter of a search prefix to return a single result in edit mode. For example, enter “Cu: “Maximum Tires” to open this customer’s record in edit mode.

• Use Prefixes to narrow the search to records of one type by adding a prefix to the search string. For example, “cus:” can be used for customer and “inv:” for invoice. To find the three-letter prefix, use the global search without the prefix to learn how NetSuite sees it. Look for the record type prefix in the result, then take the first three letters. For instance, if you want the PDF of an invoice with the document number INV12345, you can enter “pdf: INV12345”.

• Inactive Records: Instead of a record not existing, it may simply be inactive. Add a “+” to the suffix to view the inactive ones. 

• List Shaping: By using prefixes, your list becomes narrower and shaped more for your needs. From there, you can easily perform InLine edits to your data. 

The NetSuite platform is both vast and capable—never discount its potential to achieve outstanding outcomes.

NOTE: user preferences shape the global search behavior, so make sure they are set up for your needs.

Extra Tips

NetSuite does a great job providing extra help and guidance in the Help Center.

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