NetSuite Ship Central Enhancements for Order Management 2026.1

Starting in NetSuite 2026.1, the Ship Central application introduces several enhancements aimed at streamlining packing and shipping processes. These updates include features for scanning barcodes, managing warehouses more efficiently, and billing improvements.

What's New in Ship Central?

Scanning of HIBC Bar Codes During Packing

NetSuite Ship Central now supports scanning Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) item bar codes, enabling automatic identification of items during packing. This feature captures both product numbers and pertinent lot, serial, or quantity data, thereby significantly reducing manual data entry errors and streamlining the packing process.

Autogenerated UCC-Based IDs per Subsidiary

Each subsidiary can now have its own autogenerated UCC DUNS configurations. When creating or updating an autogenerated ID format record, users can select the UCC label type specific to the subsidiary. This ensures that configurations are utilized across all transactions for that subsidiary, resulting in enhanced organization and accuracy in shipment tracking.

Preference for Scanning of GS1 Application Identifier 02

Ship Central has added support for scanning barcodes with the GS1 Application Identifier (AI 02). This improvement allows for better identification of contained trade items during packing, with the system automatically applying lot, serial, and quantity details from the barcodes.

Pack Carton or Package Threshold for Packing and Shipping

New rules have been established for real-time packing and shipping updates, introducing a threshold of 100 cartons or packages. This rule ensures that changes are reflected immediately as long as the threshold and a defined fulfillment line limit (maximum of 75) are not exceeded, helping maintain synchronized shipment and packing information.

Shipping to Drop-off Points

The application now supports Pick-Up & Drop-Off (PUDO) workflows, giving customers the option to ship to predefined service points. Users can choose delivery options that include from home or company to a service point, service point back, or between service points. This flexibility aids in reducing missed deliveries while minimizing costs.

List Rate and Negotiated Rates for UPS and USPS

Users can configure pricing to charge retail carrier list rates to customers while the business pays negotiated rates for UPS and USPS shipments. This ensures margins are protected while providing a consistent pricing strategy across shipments through the app.

Increased Threshold Options for Bulk Shipping

Ship Central now allows processing of bulk shipments beyond 10 cartons, with configurable thresholds of 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 cartons. As a default, 25 cartons can be processed in real-time, enhancing bulk shipping efficiency without compromising performance.

Updates to Other Party Billing

Users can set third-party billing details directly on sales orders, updating the related item fulfillment record post-shipment. This feature aims to improve accuracy and consistency in billing, reducing errors associated with third-party account usage.

Option to Disable NetSuite ShipEngine Accounts

Administrators now have the ability to disable or enable their NetSuite ShipEngine accounts, halting all shipping activities temporarily as needed. Disabling the account will prevent unintended transactions while allowing for easier management during periods of inactivity.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Responsible for setting up and configuring the Ship Central app and its preferences.
• Developers: May need to integrate and optimize features based on Ship Central enhancements.
• Warehouse Staff: Directly involved with packing and shipping processes, benefiting from streamlined operations.
• Accountants: Those managing billing will find the new third-party billing options useful.
• Shipping Coordinators: Individuals overseeing logistics and carrier management can leverage the new shipping options.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced features for barcode scanning improve packing efficiency.
• Subsidiaries can have unique automated configurations for shipping IDs.
• New shipping thresholds and bulk processing capabilities increase operational efficiency.
• Improved billing options streamline third-party shipping processes.
• Ability to enable or disable ShipEngine accounts provides better control over shipping activities.