Release Preview Access for Administrators in NetSuite 2026.1

TL;DR Opening

Starting in NetSuite 2026.1, administrators receive notifications about Release Preview access, allowing testing of new features and upgrades before deployment. Access can be granted widely to aid in evaluation and preparation for updates.

What's New

The ability to access the Release Preview account provides users, specifically those with an Administrator role, an opportunity to test upcoming features and enhancements well in advance of their public release. This function is essential for ensuring that customizations and integrations perform correctly, thus minimizing issues during the actual upgrade.

Details on Release Preview Access

The Release Preview account is accessible via the same URL used for the production account: https://system.netsuite.com. Here are the key points regarding its access:

• Initial Access: Initially, only users with the Administrator role can log in to the Release Preview account.
• Granting Access: Administrators can provide access to other users once logged in to the Release Preview account.
• Duration of Access: The Release Preview account remains available until the production account is upgraded or if there is no login activity for 14 consecutive days, after which the account will be purged.

Steps to Access the Release Preview Account

To access the Release Preview:

1. Log into your production account at https://system.netsuite.com.
2. Change roles to the Release Preview Administrator role.
3. Check the My Roles page for the Release Preview label.

   My Roles Page
   -------------------
   Account Type: Release Preview
   RP Symbol: ✔️
   

Granting Access to Other Users

Administrators can provide access to additional users through the following steps:

1. Navigate to Lists > Employees > Employees
2. Edit the desired employee’s record.
3. Under the Access subtab, clear and then re-enable the Give Access box.
4. Reassign necessary roles and save changes.
5. Advise users to log out and back in to access Release Preview.

Using CSV Import Assistant for Bulk Access

For bulk management of access:

• Create a search for employees who require access and export the results as a CSV file.
• Use the CSV Import Assistant by selecting: Setup > Import/Export > Import CSV Records, and import the file to update the employees’ access in the Release Preview environment.

Accessing Release Preview via the New Release Portlet

• If available, login to the New Release portlet located on your production account’s dashboard to access Release Preview.
• If the portlet isn’t visible, it can be added through the Personalize option on the home page.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Managing access and testing capabilities.
• Developers: Evaluating new features and compatibility with existing applications.
• Quality Assurance Teams: Validating test scenarios before upgrades go live.

Key Takeaways

• Access to Release Preview is crucial for testing upcoming features ahead of live deployment.
• Only Administrator roles initially have access, but can grant permissions to others.
• The Release Preview URL is the same as the production account’s login.
• There are systematic steps to manage user access efficiently, including CSV import for bulk actions.
• Monitor login activity to prevent premature purging of the Release Preview account.