Enhancing Sales Efficiency with Available Item Filtering in Intelligent Item Recommendations

Introduction

In the latest NetSuite release, version 2026.1, a new feature enhances the Intelligent Item Recommendations tool for sales orders, estimates, and opportunity records. This enhancement allows users to filter recommendations to show only available items, bringing added clarity and efficiency to the sales process.

Filtering Options

By default, Intelligent Item Recommendations display all items, potentially overwhelming users with less relevant options. The new filtering option—'Available items only'—enables you to refine your selection to items that are currently in stock or available for backorder. This feature is particularly useful in various scenarios:

• Sales Order Accuracy: Ensures that sales representatives are recommending items that customers can purchase immediately or receive within a reasonable timeframe.
• Inventory Management: Reduces frustration by minimizing the occurrence of recommending items that are out of stock.
• Customer Satisfaction: Improves customer experience by providing more relevant options, potentially increasing conversion rates.

How to Implement the Filter

To utilize the 'Available items only' feature, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your sales order, estimate, or opportunity record within the NetSuite UI.
2. Locate the Intelligent Item Recommendations section on the form.
3. Click the filter option and select 'Available items only' from the available choices.
4. Review the refined list that appears, focusing solely on items that are ready for sale or can be backordered.

Implementing this filtering option is simple and doesn't require complex configurations. Best Practice Tip: Regular training sessions for your sales team on how to use this feature effectively can foster better usage and enhance overall productivity.

Considerations and Best Practices

While the 'Available items only' filter is a powerful tool to enhance your sales strategy, consider the following:

• Inventory Accuracy: Ensure that your inventory data is updated regularly to take full advantage of this feature.
• User Training: Equip your sales team with knowledge about how and when to use this filter to maximize the benefit applied to their selling strategies.
• Feedback Loop: Encourage feedback from users about the tool's usability, as ongoing improvements can lead to even better features in future updates.

Key Takeaways

• The new filtering option in Intelligent Item Recommendations allows users to display only available items, improving sales efficiency.
• This enhancement helps manage customer expectations by providing only items that can be fulfilled.
• Regular inventory updates and user training on this feature will maximize its effectiveness.
• Monitoring user feedback can lead to potential improvements in future NetSuite releases.

Utilizing this new filtering option effectively can greatly enhance the operational efficiency of your sales processes, leading to improved customer experiences and higher sales conversion rates.