NetSuite Service Tiers Explained

     NetSuite is a complex ERP software. Because it works well for businesses of all industries and sizes, NetSuite provides different service tiers instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. 

     Each service tier comes with its own limitations for items such as the number of users allowed and how much data you can store within NetSuite. 

     So, what exactly are NetSuite service tiers? And how do they work? Our cloud software experts explain exactly what they are and the requirements for each tier. 

What are NetSuite Service Tiers?

     NetSuite service tiers simply refer to the different levels of NetSuite services. They exist so you don't end up paying for more than you're actually going to use, saving you money and resources. 

     They also help you scale your business, as NetSuite can easily adapt from the most basic tier to the highest level with ease!  

The NetSuite service tier that's best for you depends on: 

• The number of NetSuite users you need 
• How much data you need to process 
• The amount of data storage you need 
• The number of SuiteCloud plus licenses you need 

NetSuite's Four Service Tiers

     There are four separate NetSuite service tiers. Here's what each tier is called, as well as everything they include. 

There are four NetSuite Service tiers: 

• Standard 
• Premium 
• Enterprise 
• Ultimate 

     Each tier has a limit on the total number of users, gigabytes of file storage, and monthly transaction lines. 

Note: If you aren't sure how much file storage or monthly transaction lines your business needs, that's perfectly fine. An experienced NetSuite consultant can help you determine the right NetSuite service tier for your current business practices. 

Here's What Each NetSuite Service Tier Includes 

     While most of the information above is self-explanatory, we want to go a bit more in-depth on two items: 

• Monthly transaction lines - This doesn't just refer to actual transactions/sales — it includes everything from creating invoices to sending bills or fulfilling an order. Every single "transaction" counts towards this number. The monthly transaction lines used to be a limit on business data storage. However, NetSuite changed its service tiers a few years ago to more accurately reflect how businesses use the software. 
• Sandbox - In the digital world, a sandbox is a term used to describe a testing environment. If you purchase a NetSuite tier that includes a sandbox, this means you have somewhere you can test new customizations, automations, or any other type of change you want to make without affecting your actual NetSuite software. You can use the sandbox to work out any roadblocks before setting new changes live. 

Note: If your business needs more than what the top tier provides, NetSuite will work with you on a case-by-case basis to build a customized solution.  

NetSuite Service Tiers: SuiteCloud+ Licenses & Concurrency

     In addition to users, file storage, and monthly transactions, NetSuite service tiers also dictate more technical cloud software aspects such as the maximum number of SuiteCloud+ licenses, concurrency, processes, and threads per cue. 

How Do I Know Which Service Tier is Best for Me? 

     The service tier you need depends on how many licenses you'll need and what your data usage and storage look like. 

     If you're new to NetSuite or you aren't sure how to gauge that type of information for your business, don't worry! You can enlist the help of NetSuite consulting services, where a NetSuite expert will walk you through all of your options. We offer this service for both businesses looking to implement NetSuite, or ones that are already established and need help optimizing their current installation. 

What if I Need to Switch Tiers? 

     Switching NetSuite tiers is easy. By design, NetSuite makes it easy to scale your business. Even if you go from 200 monthly sales to 200,000, NetSuite is ready and able to keep up. 

     You don't have to worry about choosing the wrong tier. If you're working with a trusted NetSuite Solutions Provider, they'll help you figure out what's best for your business at that time. 

     Plus, if you need to switch tiers for whatever reason, just let your NetSuite Solutions Provider know. They can get it done quickly! 

How Long Does it Take to Upgrade My Service Tier?

     It only takes three days to upgrade to a new service tier after the license is created.  

     After you pay for a new service tier, a new license is created to reflect the upgraded services. Once this license is set up, it usually takes about three days for the new tier to fully go live in your NetSuite account. 

     You can check your Billing Information page to see the service tier of your NetSuite license.

Top Reasons to Switch to a New Service Tier 

     Why would you need to switch to a different service tier? It largely has to do with how many NetSuite users you need and what your resource usage looks like. 

More NetSuite Users

     Probably the most common reason companies might need to move to the next service tier is to have more NetSuite users. 

     If your company grows to need more than 100 NetSuite users, you're going to have to move up to the premium tier, which allows 1,000 users. The biggest jump is between standard and premium, then enterprise includes 2,000 users and ultimate 4,000. 

     If you ever need more than 4,000 NetSuite users, we can work with you to create a custom solution. 

Using Up Monthly Transaction Line Limits 

     The monthly transaction lines are calculated using a six-month rolling average. 

     If your limits start to exceed what's allowed in the plan, you'll need to up your tier. The standard tier only allows 200,000 monthly transaction lines, while the premium allows 2,000,000! 

There are many different transaction types that affect line limits. Some of the most common include: 

• Bills 
• Cash Sale 
• Credit Card 
• Deposit 
• Estimate 
• Inventory Count 
• Inventory Status Change
• Invoices 
• Item fulfillment
• Item receipt 
• Payment
• Purchase Order 

Exceeding Data Storage Limits

     The file storage limits with each tier pertain to the use of NetSuite's "file cabinet". This includes items such as images and attachments. 

     Depending on your usage of NetSuite, you could quickly exceed the 100GB of file storage allowed in the standard tier. Premium includes 100GB, enterprise 2,000GB, and ultimate 4,000GB. 

Need Help With NetSuite Service Tiers? 

     You don't have to be an expert in cloud software to successfully use NetSuite. That's what we're here for! 

     Set up a FREE consultation. Our NetSuite-certified team is ready to walk you through which service tier is right for you. We want you to have the most successful NetSuite implementation possible!