A child playing in a sandbox is enacting a process of experimentation. They are free to try whatever they like, adding elements and taking them away before smashing the sandcastle and starting again. For a child, building and problem-solving is fun, but it’s also a learning experience. The NetSuite Sandbox takes that concept and deploys it as a digital habitat. It’s a platform with advanced technology and capabilities that empowers a business to test its NetSuite customisations in a safe environment before deploying them in the real world.
Just like a child in a sandbox, businesses can run, watch and assess how their take on the NetSuite ERP system will work. Things can be changed and removed and, ultimately, you aren’t committing to anything. You can knock the sandcastle down and start from scratch. The NetSuite Sandbox is a great opportunity to trial new features, train employees, fix issues and test new integrations with third-party software.
NetSuite Sandbox Defined
The NetSuite Sandbox is a testing environment built into NetSuite wherein users can trial and analyse new things without their core account being affected. Here, you can make and test modifications to an exact replica of your existing business management software. No real-life transactions will happen, so all your experimentation here is safe.
The term ‘sandbox’ is used in reference to the fact this is a testing platform where you explore preferred programs without buying them. You have the full system functionality in order to demonstrate how it could improve your business, but nothing here is set in stone.
If you favour lots of customisation in your system, the NetSuite Sandbox is a great product. It integrates with SuiteScript, SuiteFlow and other NetSuite apps to accommodate extensive customisation in the test environment. You get a secure, isolated trial platform where malicious cyber threats are contained and there is minimal risk of the software being damaged. You will be able to train employees without impacting production processes and carry out complex projects with none of the risks. When you are satisfied, you can integrate the work you have done into your live systems.
Top Features of NetSuite Sandbox
The NetSuite Sandbox is the ideal environment for testing ERP software. You can create and modify any feature before watching how it performs before launching it into the live system. Key features include:
- The ability to fix bugs and issues within existing customisations and features.
- Working with a precise replica of your live production setting, wherein you can develop new tools and change existing ones with no impact on the production systems.
- Experiment with SuiteApps or modules from third-party vendors without consequences.
- Perform training sessions and create employee records on new and existing practices and features.
- Test new customisations and features before deploying them.
NetSuite is one of the few brands that provide this kind of opportunity to test business management features before you buy. As well as valuable on-demand testing, NetSuite Sandbox also enables a business to avoid expensive app rewrites by exploring their customisations before deploying. Essentially, you sidestep the risk of deploying features that are ultimately destined for failure. You will be able to:
- Optimise environments and test integrations with third-party software to identify problems and fix them.
- Test transactions and other things before submitting them into General Ledger reports.
- Share key insights and data with third parties for investigation without no interference with your existing processes.
If any of this sounds useful to you, a NetSuite Sandbox account may be just the right fit.
Are there different types of NetSuite Sandbox accounts?
Yes. The three types of NetSuite Sandbox accounts are as follows:
1. Standard
This provides an exact model of your operating account wherein you can test key features and customisations without affecting your live systems.
2. Development
This has all the features of a Standard account but is optimised for third-party collaboration. Outside partners will be able to work with the account whilst your business data is kept private and secure.
3. Premium
This differs from a Standard account in that it is developed for high-volume exploration. It acts more like your live system account, facilitating high-performance operations and vast production data sets.
How do I set up a NetSuite Sandbox account?
Setting up a NetSuite Sandbox account is straightforward. You simply sign up at NetSuite.com and place a request for a Sandbox Refresh. Over the following 1-2 business days, an exact replica of your database will be created and you will be able to start engaging with it in your Sandbox account.
How much does a NetSuite Sandbox account cost?
The price is calculated at 10% of the sum total of the NetSuite modules and users purchased. For a Premium account, it is calculated at 20% of that sum total, and there are minimum prices that apply to both.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
If you want to explore NetSuite features or give legacy operations an update, the Sandbox is a good option. It provides you with a tool for end-testing configurations and customer data without any risk. In essence, it is a safety net when exploring new systems, developed to catch your business before it falls – attempting new customisations, modifications or integrations without it is a risk.
If you use NetSuite and want to explore further customisations and integrations, you’ll definitely want to invest in a Sandbox account.
Why choose Eventura to deliver your NetSuite Project?
As an official NetSuite solution provider, we have successfully delivered countless NetSuite implementations and integrations. Our expert team of business analysts, developers, consultants, technicians and support staff can guide you through your entire project, from initial scoping through to implementation and on-going support.
We believe that NetSuite offers its customers a comprehensive suite of products that can digitally transform their businesses, replacing a range of disparate systems and softwares with one unified solution to business management.
If you would like to speak to one of our NetSuite experts, you can request a free call back here.
