NetSuite saved searches are one of the most powerful tools available to users, but many organizations only scratch the surface of what they can do. In our previous guide, we covered the fundamentals of saved searches. Those basics alone can deliver meaningful insights, but to truly unlock their potential, you need to move beyond standard filters and columns.

In this guide, we’ll explore advanced NetSuite saved search techniques that help you create more precise results, cleaner views, and more actionable reporting—while avoiding common pitfalls.

Using Saved Search Formulas for Advanced Filtering

As you advance your NetSuite saved searches, formula fields become essential. Formulas allow you to:

• Apply more precise filters
• Perform calculations on results
• Transform or format values (such as dates or text)
• Work around limitations of standard fields

How to Create a Formula Filter in NetSuite

1. Open the saved search you want to edit
2. Click Edit
3. Go to the Criteria tab
4. Add a filter and select one of the following:
   • Formula (Date)
   • Formula (Numeric)
   • Formula (Text)
5. Enter your formula in the Formula field
6. Click Set, preview results, then save

NetSuite formulas use Oracle SQL syntax, so basic SQL knowledge is helpful.

Basic Formula Structure

{expression} {operator} {expression}

• Expressions: NetSuite fields, functions, or literal values
• Operators: Mathematical, logical, or string operators
• Variables: Temporary values used in calculations

Important Formula Tips to Avoid Common Errors

• Quantity fields:
  If you want both positive and negative values, use Formula (Numeric) with {Quantity}. Using the Quantity field directly filters out negatives automatically.
• Avoid script tags in Formula (Text):
  NetSuite blocks script output to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
• Watch the 1,000-character limit:
  Formula previews may work, but running the saved search will fail if you exceed the limit.
• Choose the right formula type:
  • Date formulas → before/after comparisons
  • Numeric formulas → greater than / less than logic
  • Text formulas → string matching and concatenation

Special Tips and Tricks for Cleaner Saved Searches

Understanding Main Line, Shipping Line, and Tax Line

Saved searches often return confusing results if these fields aren’t configured properly.

• Main Line = True → Header-level records only
• Main Line = False → Line-level detail
• Tax Line / Shipping Line → Useful for isolating taxes or shipping fees

Using these correctly prevents duplicate or misleading results, especially for invoices and sales orders.

Calling Fields You Can’t Find

Sometimes the field you need doesn’t appear in the drop-down list.

Solution: Use the field’s internal ID.

1. Locate the field ID using NetSuite’s Schema Browser
2. Insert it into a Formula (Text) field using {fieldid}

This allows you to retrieve nearly any field, even those not exposed in standard search options.

Using NS_CONCAT for Cleaner Results

If your saved search repeats the same header data across multiple rows, you can simplify the view using NS_CONCAT.

Example:

REPLACE(NS_CONCAT({item}), ‘,’, ”)

This combines line-item values into a single row, producing a much cleaner and more readable result set.

Highlighting Critical Results

NetSuite allows you to visually flag important records.

1. Go to the Highlighting subtab
2. Define your condition
3. Select the icon next to the condition field
4. Choose formatting (color, emphasis)

This makes exceptions, risks, or high-priority records stand out instantly.

Joining Two Saved Searches in NetSuite

Sometimes one saved search isn’t enough.

Method 1: Using Built-In Joins

When editing a saved search:

• Go to the Results tab
• Select a field with an ellipsis (…)
• Choose a joined record

This works well for many use cases.

Method 2: Linking Searches with URLs

If a join isn’t available:

1. Build two separate saved searches
2. In the first search, add a Formula (Text) field
3. Insert the URL of the second saved search
4. Replace dynamic values using: CONCAT(field || field)

This creates drill-through links between saved searches for deeper analysis.

The Most Powerful Tip: Automating Saved Search Results

Here’s the tip that changes everything.

Saved searches are powerful—but they become exponentially more valuable when you automate how their data is used.

By integrating NetSuite directly with Excel, you can:

• Pull one or multiple saved searches into a single workbook
• Create dynamic dashboards
• Build pivot tables, macros, and advanced formulas
• Refresh data on demand or on a schedule
• Eliminate manual exports entirely

Automating NetSuite Saved Searches with ExtendInsights

ExtendInsights for NetSuite makes it possible to manage and analyze saved search data directly in Excel—without technical expertise.

With ExtendInsights, you can:

• Run multiple saved searches simultaneously
• Refresh data with one click
• Schedule automatic updates
• Build complex Excel models using live NetSuite data
• Create executive-ready dashboards faster

No scripting.
No CSV juggling.
No manual cleanup.

Just accurate, always-up-to-date reporting.

Take Your Saved Searches Further

Advanced saved search techniques unlock deeper insights—but automation takes them to the next level.

If you’re ready to turn saved searches into dynamic, refreshable reporting tools, ExtendInsights is built to do exactly that.

Try ExtendInsights FREE for two weeks—no credit card required—and see how powerful your NetSuite data can be.