How to use SuiteTalk to integrate your applications with NetSuite

NetSuite is a flexible, cloud-based ERP system that scales with companies as they grow. While NetSuite is designed to manage almost every aspect of a business, some companies may want to use external third-party systems to handle various functions, such as a separate CRM system. Or companies may have created their own custom applications that they want to ensure can integrate with their business management system. SuiteTalk is NetSuite’s native integration tool that enables organizations to integrate their website or applications with the NetSuite platform.

SuiteTalk is a Web services integration tool for integrating third-party systems with NetSuite. It is also used to build website-to-NetSuite integrations or create custom mobile applications. A Web service provides access to data and functionality through an API across the internet. SuiteTalk uses a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) based integration method that sends XML-based requests to-and-from NetSuite.

SuiteTalk can be used to create your own custom application. It provides support for programming languages like C# and Java, as well as a toolkit for use with PHP. It can perform all the essential types of actions through its predefined operations, allowing for clear and consistent results from the application to the native NetSuite user interface. Actions such as performing saved searches, creating/updating/deleting records, and managing user login credentials can all be achieved through SuiteTalk.

SuiteTalk has a strong security model. It contains a number of important security features such as:

• Token-Based Authentication (recommended)
• User Credentials
• SuiteSignOn
• Inbound SSO

Additionally, SuiteTalk also only permits communication through the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). HTTPS is the encrypted variant of the communication protocol, which leverages Transport Layer Security (TLS) when sending data over a network. This is a widely adopted method of security, especially with services that handle sensitive data. Any SOAP operations that are executed, as well as NetSuite’s responses, are logged under the SOAP Web Services Usage Log. Additionally, all login attempts to the NetSuite platform are automatically logged within the Login Audit Trail.

SuiteTalk is NetSuite’s out-of-the-box integration tool. However, NetSuite also allows for other integration methods such as RESTlets and Suitelets. Both of these methods require writing code to create business logic. SuiteTalk does not require any code; users only need to use the SOAP APIs to make requests to and from NetSuite.

SuiteTalk provides access to master data information and it will immediately return information upon making the request – there is no wait time between the call and the records being provided. It also has robust error handling that ensures reliable integrations, and it supports custom fields with automatic validation based on the field type.

However, there are a few considerations when using SuiteTalk to integrate your applications with NetSuite. If you are undertaking a web or mobile app integration, you may want to consider using RESTlets. REST interfaces can be more suitable for mobile devices and they provide developers with greater control over the logic compared to SuiteTalk. SuiteTalk also contains concurrency limits that will limit the number of requests a user can make at a time. This is something to keep in mind when choosing an integration method for your application or website.

SuiteTalk is an essential tool when considering an integration to your website or custom application. It plays a key role in ensuring secure and reliable communication with the NetSuite platform. That being said, undertaking an integration is not an easy task. There are a lot of considerations to make and room for issues to occur without the proper knowledge or experience.

Rand Group is a certified NetSuite Solution Provider offering clients rapid, dedicated support. A Rand Group support plan includes access to our team of experienced software engineers that understand the ins and outs of SuiteTalk and other integration methods. Contact our team today to get started.