Custom reports and dashboards in NetSuite are essential tools for real-time insights and informed decision-making. Here’s a concise guide to testing them effectively, focusing on accuracy, usability, and performance.
1. Understand Business Requirements
Define the objectives for each report or dashboard. Identify which KPIs, metrics, and data points are essential for the users. Knowing the data sources involved helps ensure completeness without unnecessary duplication.
2. Validate Data Accuracy
To ensure data accuracy, cross-check metrics in the custom report with actual records in NetSuite, such as transaction data, inventory counts, or customer information. Running saved searches can also help confirm totals and validate the data pulled by the report filters.
3. Confirm Calculations and Formulas
Verify any custom formulas in your reports. Test calculations by comparing sample data against expected results to confirm totals, averages, and other computed metrics. Be sure to run edge case tests, such as negative or zero values, to catch any formula errors.
4. Assess Usability and Layout
Check that the layout is logical, with KPIs and metrics presented in a clear, accessible format. Verify that filters function as intended, allowing users to customize the view by time period, region, or other parameters. Ensure charts, graphs, and tables are easy to interpret and visually accurate.
5. Test Role-Based Access and Permissions
Validate that users can only access the reports intended for their roles and that sensitive data is appropriately restricted. Test visibility settings to maintain secure access across teams.
6. Evaluate Performance with Large Data Sets
Load testing with large data volumes is essential to confirm the report or dashboard performs well. If load times are slow, consider optimizing the report by simplifying filters or reducing data fields. Check data refresh rates to ensure timely updates.
7. Verify Exporting and Sharing Options
Ensure that reports can be easily exported (e.g., in Excel or PDF formats) while retaining formatting and accuracy. Check that sharing options work securely, respecting user permissions.
Conclusion
Efficient testing of NetSuite’s custom reports and dashboards ensures they deliver accurate, insightful data in a user-friendly format, supporting better decision-making across the business. By following these steps, you’ll maximize the value of your reports while maintaining data accuracy and performance.