A - C
After Record Submit
Server trigger that fires after a record is saved to the database. Used for creating related records, sending emails, and integrations.
Before Record Submit
Server trigger that fires after validation but before saving to the database. Preferred for Set Field Value actions to avoid additional save events.
Client Trigger
Events occurring in the user's browser during record create/edit. Includes Before User Edit, Before User Submit, and field-level triggers.
Context
The NetSuite function or feature used to create, view, or update a record (e.g., User Interface, CSV Import, User Event Script, Suitelet).
D - J
Execution Context
Restricts workflow processing to specific methods of record manipulation. Configured using the CONTEXTS multi-select field.
Formula
Calculations performed on record fields. SQL formulas work with server triggers; SuiteScript formulas work with client triggers.
Initiate Workflow Action
Action that starts a sub-workflow from a parent workflow, enabling parallel processing on the same record.
Join
The ability to access another record type's data in the context of the base record. Creates a relationship between records.
L - P
Loose Coupling
Sub-workflow design where child workflows process independently from parent and each other, without dependencies.
Mass Update
Batch processing of multiple records with running workflow instances. Types: Initiate, Process, Cancel, Transition.
Parallel Processing
Multiple workflows running simultaneously on the same record, often used for parallel approvals.
S - T
Scheduled Trigger
Special trigger for time-based execution. The workflow scheduler runs every 30 minutes to evaluate scheduled items.
Server Trigger
Events occurring on NetSuite server. Includes Before Record Load, Before Record Submit, After Record Submit, and Scheduled.
Sub-Workflow
Child business process initiated by a parent workflow using the Initiate Workflow action. Must be on the same base record type.
Subscribe to Record
Action that monitors a related record for changes and triggers transitions when the related record is updated.
Suitelet
Server-side SuiteScript that builds custom NetSuite pages. Can initiate or trigger workflows using workflow.initiate() or workflow.trigger().
Tight Coupling
Sub-workflow design where parent workflow waits for child completion before continuing, creating processing dependencies.
U - W
User Event Script
Context for externally triggered server-side actions. Allows workflows to be initiated by scripts rather than user interface events.
Workflow Action Script
Custom SuiteScript that runs within a workflow context, extending SuiteFlow capabilities beyond standard actions.
Workflow Instance Field
Field private to a specific workflow. Cannot be shared between workflows—use record fields instead.
Workflow Scheduler
Background process running every 30 minutes to evaluate and execute scheduled workflows, actions, and transitions.
Workflow State Field
Field private to a specific workflow state. Cannot be shared between states or workflows.
🔧 SuiteFlow Actions Reference
Complete list of all workflow actions with descriptions and documentation links.
Add Button
Add a custom button to a record form. Use Before Record Load trigger. Button disappears if record reloads without re-executing action.
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Confirm
Display a popup message with OK and Cancel buttons. User must respond before continuing. Use for approval confirmations.
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Create Record
Create a new record from within a workflow. Can populate fields using current record values. Use After Record Submit trigger.
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Custom Action
Execute a Workflow Action Script for custom logic beyond standard actions. Extends SuiteFlow with SuiteScript capabilities.
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Go To Page
Redirect users from a record to a specified NetSuite page. Use for navigation after workflow completion.
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Go To Record
Redirect users to view or edit a specific record. Can create new records and populate fields from current record.
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Initiate Workflow
Start a child workflow from within a parent workflow. Enables sub-workflows and parallel processing on the same record.
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Lock Record
Prevent users from editing the record while in a specific workflow state. Use for approval processes.
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Remove Button
Remove a button from a record form. Use Before Record Load trigger to ensure consistent removal.
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Return User Error
Display an error message and prevent record from saving. Use for validation on Before Record Submit trigger.
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Send Campaign Email
Send an email as part of a marketing campaign. Tracks email metrics and uses campaign templates.
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Send Email
Send an email notification. Can use templates, attach files, and include record field values. Use After Record Submit trigger.
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Set Field Display Label
Change the UI label of a field dynamically. Useful for context-specific field naming.
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Set Field Display Type
Change field display type: Normal, Hidden, Disabled, Inline Text. Control field visibility and editability.
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Set Field Mandatory
Make a field required or optional based on workflow state. Dynamic field validation.
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Set Field Value
Set or calculate a field value. Use Before Record Submit for data changes. Supports formulas and joined field values.
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Show Message
Display an informational message to the user. Non-blocking notification.
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Subscribe To Record
Monitor a related record for changes. Triggers transitions when the subscribed record is updated.
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Transform Record
Transform a transaction into another type (e.g., Quote → Sales Order → Invoice). Maintains data relationships.
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⚡ Server Triggers Reference
Server-side triggers execute on the NetSuite server during record processing.
Before Record Load
Fires before a record loads into the browser. Use for: setting default values, hiding fields, adding/removing buttons, locking records.
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Before Record Submit
Fires after user clicks Save but before data commits to database. Use for: validation, calculations, Set Field Value actions. Preferred trigger for data changes.
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After Record Submit
Fires after record is saved to database. Use for: creating related records, sending emails, external integrations. Record ID is available.
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Entry (On Entry)
Fires when a record enters a workflow state. Workflow-based trigger. Only executes once per state entry, not on record reload.
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Exit (On Exit)
Fires when a record exits a workflow state via transition. Workflow-based trigger. Use for cleanup actions before moving to next state.
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Scheduled
Time-based trigger. Workflow scheduler runs every 30 minutes to evaluate scheduled items. Use for: delayed emails, time-based transitions, recurring checks.
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🖱️ Client Triggers Reference
Client-side triggers execute in the user's browser during record editing.
Before User Edit
Fires when record loads into browser, before any user changes. Use for initial UI setup and field display changes.
Before Field Edit
Fires before a user completes changes to a specific field. Use for pre-validation or field-level warnings.
After Field Edit
Fires after a user changes a field value. Use for: dependent field updates, real-time calculations, conditional logic. Caution: can cause infinite loops.
After Field Sourcing
Fires after all dependent field values are populated (sourced). Use when you need all related values before processing.
Before User Submit
Fires after user clicks Save, before Before Record Submit server trigger. Client-side validation before server processing.
📋 Context Types Reference
Restrict workflow execution to specific record manipulation methods.
User Interface
Record created/edited through NetSuite UI. Default context for most workflows.
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CSV Import
Record created/updated via CSV import. Control whether bulk imports trigger workflows.
SOAP Web Services
Record modified via SuiteTalk SOAP API. External integrations using web services.
REST Web Services
Record modified via REST API. Modern API integrations.
Suitelet
Record modified by a Suitelet script. Custom UI applications.
User Event Script
Record modified by a User Event script. Script-driven record changes.
Scheduled Script
Record modified by a Scheduled script. Background batch processing.
Map/Reduce Script
Record modified by a Map/Reduce script. High-volume data processing.
Workflow
Record modified by another workflow. Prevents recursive workflow triggers.
📅 Event Types Reference
Specify which record events trigger actions and transitions.
Create
New record is being created. Use with On Create trigger setting.
Edit
Existing record is being modified. Use with On Update trigger setting.
View
Record is being viewed (read-only). Limited actions available. Use for display-only customizations.
Copy
Record is created by copying another record. Inherits values from source record.
Approve
Record approval action. Available on transaction records with approval routing.
Reject
Record rejection action. Available on transaction records with approval routing.
Cancel
Record cancellation action. Transaction-specific event.
Pack
Fulfillment packing action. Item Fulfillment specific.
Ship
Fulfillment shipping action. Item Fulfillment specific.
Drop Ship
Drop shipment creation. Purchase Order / Sales Order specific.
Special Order
Special order creation. Sales Order specific.
📚 Additional SuiteFlow Resources
SuiteFlow Overview
Main documentation hub for all SuiteFlow concepts and features.
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Workflow Actions Overview
Complete reference for all workflow action types and parameters.
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Trigger Execution Model
Understanding the order and timing of trigger execution.
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FAQ: SuiteFlow
Common questions and troubleshooting for workflow issues.
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Execution Contexts
Control which contexts trigger your workflows.
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