NetSuite Ship Central Enhancements for Order Management 2026.1

TL;DR

Starting in NetSuite 2026.1, Ship Central introduces several enhancements that streamline packing and shipping processes, including barcode scanning features, unique subsidiary configurations, and improved bulk shipping options. These changes are designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual entry errors.

What's New in Ship Central

NetSuite Ship Central has received key updates that enhance its packing and shipping capabilities:

Scanning of HIBC Bar Codes During Packing

• Functionality: You can now scan Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) item bar codes during the packing process.
• Benefits: This enables automatic identification of items by reading product numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, or quantity data from the barcode, reducing manual data entry.

Autogenerated UCC-Based IDs per Subsidiary

• New Feature: Unique autogenerated UCC DUNS configurations can now be set for each subsidiary.
• How It Works: When creating or updating an autogenerated ID format record, you can select the UCC label type and assign it to the respective subsidiary.
• Implication: Subsidiaries can have distinct configurations, enabling better data management at the subsidiary level.

Preference for Scanning of GS1 Application Identifier 02

• Overview: Scan item bar codes containing the GS1 Application Identifier (AI 02) to accurately identify the GTIN of items during packing.
• Configuration: Enable the preference for using AI 02 as the preferred GS1 setting to enhance item identification accuracy.

Pack Carton or Package Threshold for Packing and Shipping

• Update: The system now includes a threshold limit of 100 cartons or packages to streamline updates.
• Limits: You must set a fulfillment line limit up to a maximum of 75. Changes within the threshold will display in real-time across related shipping records.

Shipping to Drop-off Points

• Capability: New support for Pick-Up & Drop-Off (PUDO) workflows allows shipping to service points.
• Flexibility: Options include home or company to service points and between service points, enhancing flexibility for customers.

List Rate and Negotiated Rates for UPS and USPS (Stamps.com)

• New Pricing Strategy: Businesses can now apply retail list rates for customers while paying negotiated rates.
• Benefit: This ensures margin preservation and pricing consistency across shipments made using Ship Central.

Increased Threshold Options for Bulk Shipping

• Enhancement: Now process more than 10 cartons at a time using Bulk Shipping with options for thresholds of up to 400.
• User Experience: A status popup provides real-time updates based on the defined thresholds.

Updates to Other Party Billing

• New Functionality: Set third-party billing details directly on sales orders, allowing for more accurate invoicing during shipping.

Option to Disable NetSuite ShipEngine Accounts

• Account Management: Users can disable or enable their ShipEngine account, halting or restoring all shipping activities through Ship Central.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Involved in configuring shipping preferences and rules.
• Developers: May need to integrate new functionalities into existing systems.
• Shipping Managers: Responsible for managing shipping processes and ensuring efficient operations.

Key Takeaways

• NetSuite 2026.1 enhances Ship Central features, improving packing and shipping efficiency.
• Users can now scan HIBC and GS1 barcodes to automate item identification during packing.
• Unique configurations can be set per subsidiary for improved operational consistency.
• New bulk shipping options and real-time updates enhance shipping capacity and user experience.
• The ability to manage shipping accounts directly gives users greater control over shipping activities.