Workflows in NetSuite automate business processes without scripting. Testing them ensures they trigger correctly, perform actions as expected, and support business rules.
What to Test in a Workflow
- Trigger Type
- When does the workflow run? (e.g., On Create, On Edit, Scheduled)
- Test each trigger separately.
- Conditions
- Do the workflow conditions match the expected scenario?
- E.g., Only run if
Customer Type = Export.
- States and Transitions
- Verify correct movement between workflow states (e.g., from “Pending Approval” to “Approved”).
- Test with both qualifying and non-qualifying data.
- Actions
- Common actions include: setting field values, sending emails, creating records, showing messages.
- Check:
- Was the field updated?
- Was the email triggered with the right template and recipient?
- Did the record save or stop due to a validation message?
Workflow Testing Steps
- Identify the Record Type
- Know where the workflow is applied (e.g., Sales Order, Vendor, Customer).
- Create Test Data
- Add or edit records to meet the conditions that should activate the workflow.
- Observe Workflow Logs
- Navigate to the Workflow History tab on the record (if enabled).
- Review each executed action, transition, and result.
- Test Negative Scenarios
- Use inputs that should not trigger the workflow and confirm no action occurs.
- Validate Email and Approval Workflows
- Use test roles to simulate different approvers or recipients.
- Confirm email content and timing.
Best Practices
- Test in Sandbox only.
- Enable “Show Actions in Progress” during testing for clarity.
- Use “Log Execution Details” in the workflow setup for step-level tracing.
- Document test results for every scenario, including logs and screenshots.