NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant for Configuring Items in 2026.1

Starting in NetSuite 2026.1, the NetSuite CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) AI Assistant provides an interactive generative AI tool to streamline the configuration of items within the NetSuite CPQ Configurator. This feature is essential for users looking to enhance their sales and product setup workflows through AI-driven assistance.

How the CPQ AI Assistant Works

The CPQ AI Assistant allows both novices and veterans in sales to create tailored configurations for inventory and non-inventory items as well as assemblies. Utilizing a large language model (LLM), users engage in a natural language dialogue where they can specify their requirements, like asking for a general-purpose bicycle suited for parks and light trails.

Upon choosing a configurable item, a "Configure with CPQ Assistant" button appears within the transaction window. Clicking this button triggers a chat interface where the assistant poses questions tailored to the chosen item and helps gather necessary configurations.

Key Features of the AI Assistant:

• Interactive Configuration: Provides guided questions to refine item specifications, allowing users to skip or elaborate based on preference.
• Customized Suggestions: After configuration, users can view selected options, receive recommended alternatives, and decide which adjustments to apply.
• Availability Requirements: The assistant functions only if the item is marked as Ready within the product record and is not available for items lacking this status.

Roles & Responsibilities

Users with specific roles have the capability to oversee the configurations:

• Administrator Role: Responsible for the overall management and installation of SuiteApps.
• CPQ Product Builder Role: Handles the creation and maintenance of configurable items, enabling the effective use of AI assistance.

Important Considerations

It's crucial to understand that while the AI Assistant provides guidance, users must validate and approve any recommendations made during the configuration process to ensure accuracy. Additionally, this tool is available solely in non-production environments like sandboxes or release previews.

Preparing Your Environment for CPQ AI Assistant

To leverage the capabilities of the CPQ AI Assistant, take the following steps:

1. Install the NetSuite CPQ Configurator SuiteApp: This is necessary to access the AI features.
2. Enable Required Features: Go to Setup > Company > Enable Features and activate relevant options under SuiteCloud and Items & Inventory.
3. Assign Custom Roles: Ensure that your team has appropriate access to create and manage configurable products.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the CPQ AI Assistant, businesses can greatly enhance their product configuration processes, leading to greater efficiency and satisfaction in sales operations.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Oversee installation and configuration setups.
• Developers: Implement and maintain SuiteApps and configurations.
• Sales Representatives: Use the Assistant to streamline product configurations.
• Product Managers: Manage the options and configurations available through AI assistance.

Key Takeaways

• The CPQ AI Assistant facilitates configurations using natural language, ideal for both new and experienced users.
• Interaction with the assistant can yield customized configurations based on user specifications.
• Admins and specific roles must ensure that the necessary features are in place for optimal performance of the Assistant.