Unlocking Efficiency with the NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant: A Guide for Developers and Administrators

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of sales processes, having effective tools to assist in complexity management is crucial. The NetSuite CPQ (Configure Price Quote) AI Assistant, introduced in version 2026.1, represents a significant leap forward in product and service configuration. This tool harnesses generative AI, specifically a large language model (LLM), to simplify intricate configurations and enhance user experience.

Key Features of NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant

The CPQ AI Assistant is designed to guide both sales representatives and buyers through the often complex product configuration landscape. Here are the key features:

Natural Language Processing: Users can interact with the AI Assistant through natural language prompts, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Guided Interactions: Once a configurable item is selected in a transaction, users can click the "Configure with CPQ Assistant" button to start a guided chat. This chat collects configuration details and offers real-time recommendations to streamline the process.
User Empowerment: The AI Assistant demystifies complex options, enabling users to efficiently complete configurations without extensive prior knowledge.

Setting Up the CPQ AI Assistant

For administrators and product creators, setting up the CPQ AI Assistant entails several steps:

User Roles: Ensure proper roles are assigned, as only users with the Administrator role or CPQ Product Builder role can configure the AI Assistant.
Preparation of Records: On the CPQ AI Assistant subtab found in relevant records, users can prepare product, question, and answer records that feed into the AI system.
Quality Control: Administrators have the ability to review these records for readiness and quality standard compliance. This step is crucial as it ensures that the AI Assistant provides accurate and relevant information.
Visibility Control: Administrators can control the circumstances under which the AI Assistant is visible to end-users, allowing for tailored experiences based on user needs or account types.

Best Practices

Regular Updates: Keep records updated to ensure the AI Assistant utilizes the most current product configurations.
User Feedback: Encourage feedback from users interacting with the CPQ AI Assistant to refine and enhance its effectiveness.
Training Sessions: Conduct training for sales reps on how to effectively utilize the AI Assistant to expedite their workflow and improve sales outcomes.

Known Limitations

It's important to note that during this initial rollout, the CPQ AI Assistant is only available in non-production accounts, such as sandbox and release preview environments. This restriction may influence how you approach testing and development around the tool until it becomes available in production.

Key Takeaways

The NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant enhances the configuration experience with its intuitive chat interface.
Administrators play a critical role in preparing and managing the records that inform the AI Assistant.
Best practices, such as regular updates and user training, significantly enhance the effectiveness of this tool.
Initially available only in non-production accounts, developers should plan accordingly for testing and training before full deployment.