we explore two possible solutions for displaying announcements to Customer Center users in NetSuite. The goal is to ensure that announcements are effectively communicated to users and accessible from the Home Page, with consideration for both ease of access and potential risks.
Solution 1: Custom Portlet
A Custom Portlet script can be developed to display active announcements directly on the user’s dashboard. The key features of this approach include:
- Custom Record Storage: Announcement details such as title, message, start date, and end date can be stored in a custom record, and authorized users can manage them.
- Bulk Email: Emails can be sent to customers with access to the Customer Center portal to notify them about announcements.
- Portlets on Dashboard: The custom portlet fetches and displays announcements, and it must be added manually to each user’s dashboard via the Customer Center Tab.
- Manual Setup Requirement: The portlet must be manually set up for each user, including new customers.
- Customization Limitations: Customers have the ability to remove the portlet from their dashboard, and it cannot be restricted.
Since the “Custom Center Tab” is already in use as the landing page for users, this solution would not face restrictions in terms of available space on the dashboard.
Solution 2: Custom Suitelet as Landing Page
A Custom Suitelet script can be developed to act as the landing page, displaying announcements to Customer Center users. The key aspects of this approach include:
- Dynamic Announcement Display: The Suitelet will retrieve and show announcements from the custom record, but only for users with the Customer Center role. All other users will be redirected to the Home Page.
- Landing Page Setup: The Suitelet will be set as the Landing Page in General Preferences, triggering upon login for all users. Customer Center users will see announcements, while other roles will be redirected.
- Error Handling: In case of errors, users will be redirected to the Home Page.
- Navigation: The Suitelet will not include other portlets or dashboard elements, only a “Home” button for easy navigation back to the main dashboard.
This solution ensures announcements are seen first thing upon login for Customer Center users, addressing the issue of users potentially missing important updates.
Risks and Considerations
- Universal Impact of Suitelet: Since the Suitelet is assigned in General Preferences, it will impact all roles, not just Customer Center users. This could cause issues if a system error prevents users from logging in, as the Suitelet may affect all roles.
- Error Handling and Failover: In case of login failures, administrators can adjust the Landing Page setting for the Admin role to avoid blocking access to the system.
- Manual Access Option: For users who prefer accessing announcements later, the Suitelet link can be added as a center link, though this requires manual navigation, potentially leading to missed updates.
Conclusion
Both solutions have their merits. The Custom Portlet solution provides a flexible, dashboard-centric approach but requires manual setup for each user, and users can remove the portlet. The Custom Suitelet solution offers a more automated and consistent way to display announcements directly on the landing page, but it affects all roles and requires careful error management. Depending on the specific needs and workflow of your organization, either solution can be implemented to effectively manage and communicate important announcements to users.