NetSuite Suitescript Parameters

NetSuite offers robust automation and customization features, with script parameters standing out as a key tool. Let’s try to explore the importance of script parameters and how they help with automation/customization. You can read all of our SuiteScript related blogs by following the links below:

• SuiteScript Types: A Quick Walkthrough
• SuiteScript Best Practices
• Advantages of NetSuite SuiteScript 2.0 over SuiteScript 1.0
• SuiteScript 2.1 compared to SuiteScript 2.0

What are NetSuite Script Parameters?

Script parameters are dynamic values that can be passed to suitescripts providing the users the ability to customize the behavior of the scripts without actually having to touch or modify the script’s code. Parameters are more like placeholders which can hold the data that can be changed or configured before a script executes, thereby providing more flexibility to the users.

When do we create Script Parameters?

NetSuite Script Parameters are ideally created in the following scenarios:

• When we need to provide the users with the ability to configure certain part of a script or the entire script
• To provide flexibility and adjust script execution based on the role/permissions of users. For example, users with certain role can have permissions to perform specific actions by passing the user’s role as a parameter
• Provide the ability to manipulate the data that needs to be processed. If we have a script that updates Vendor records, we could provide the ability to pass a set of Vendor IDs as parameters and process only those records
• Another important scenario where we use the script parameters is to store the configuration settings like API keys, tokens, external API endpoints etc.
• We can also use script parameters where there is a need to dynamically configure/update business rules or logic

How to use NetSuite Script Parameters?

The main steps that will help with the use of script parameters are:

• Creation of Script Parameters – In the SuiteScripts, we can define parameters using the scriptContext object. 
• Configuration of Parameters – When we deploy a script, we can configure the parameters. NetSuite provides a user-friendly interface for setting parameter values, making it accessible to non-technical users also. We can edit the script record, click on the Parameters tab, and click New Parameter to add/configure a script parameter. It is very easy to use.
• Retrieve and Use Parameters – Inside the script code, we can access the parameters by referencing the scriptContext object. We can then use these parameters to control various aspects of the script and execute different conditions based on the values of the parameters.

Advantages of using script parameters

Using script parameters in NetSuite offers several advantages, enhancing the flexibility, reusability, and maintainability of SuiteScripts. Let us now look at some of the key advantages

• Script parameters allow users to dynamically customize the behavior of SuiteScripts based on specific conditions or business requirements. Users can use parameters to adjust the script’s actions based on the user’s role, department, or other dynamic factors.
• Instead of creating multiple scripts for similar tasks with slight variations, users can use a single script with parameters. This enhances reusability and reduces redundancy in the NetSuite account. 
• Script parameters provide a secure way to configure sensitive data such as API keys or authentication tokens. Such information can be stored and passed as parameters rather than hard-coded into scripts. This also simplifies credential management.
• Script parameters allow users to specify which data the script should process or modify. This level of control is crucial for ensuring scripts operate on the intended data sets. For example, when updating records, users can pass parameters to target specific records or groups of records based on the required criteria

In summary, using script parameters in NetSuite provides the users with the ability to have SuiteScripts that adapt to various scenarios while enhancing security and simplifying maintenance at the same time. Script parameters are particularly useful when working with scripts that perform similar functions but need to be tailored for different scenarios, users, or data sets. It allows a level of dynamic configuration that is important for building versatile scripts in the NetSuite account and importantly all this flexibility can be achieved without the need for extensive code modifications.

Need help customizing your NetSuite account? Talk to our scripting experts today!