Using OpenAir Workspaces and OpenAir Scripting for Data Importing

NetSuite OpenAir is a powerful PSA solution. By using the scripting functionality, we can extend and customize the system in creative ways to align with your business needs.

Often users want to use text or .csv files as a way to import data into OpenAir. In an earlier scripting article, we discussed using OneDrive or GoogleDrive as the “space” to manage these files. We have now created a script that provides yet another option, using OpenAir Workspaces. For many organizations, this removes the complication of access to third-party tools.

How it Works

Let’s use a hypothetical scenario to gain a practical view of how this script might be utilized.

Suppose you have a not-so-common business model where the unit of work you charge your customer for is not in hours or a fixed fee. Instead, you charge in terms of units of work. And to add to the complexity, a unit of work is different for nearly every customer. The OpenAir user interface does not accommodate this unique business model, and in addition, project templates are not useful since the unit of work is also custom. However, the powerful features for invoicing, forecasting, reporting, and more, are of great value within OpenAir. What is missing is a way to get the data into OpenAir.

In this scenario, users would utilize a spreadsheet to track the project or the completed work units. Then when ready, upload the file as a .csv into the designated OpenAir Workspace.

From here, the script will look for these text files in the designated OpenAir Workspace – automating the process of pulling the data into their respective OpenAir data fields. Now there is an efficient way to get the data into OpenAir quickly – and in addition, not require a third-party tool by using OpenAir Workspaces versus OneDrive or GoogleDrive.

There are also more simplistic scenarios where there is a business case for keeping the process for time tracking, project budgets, etc., in spreadsheets. If this is the case in your organization, using OpenAir workspaces script may be something to look into.

Benefits

The benefits of this particular script can be substantial!

Users can upload a file with everything they need into OpenAir all at once. Once the script has processed the file to load the data into the OpenAir fields, users can then generate the type of information they need, run reports, and so on. For those organizations with unique business models like those described in our example scenario – this can be a substantial time saver.

Even though using spreadsheets for the data capture – you still will significantly benefit from the many other powerful features of NetSuite OpenAir.

Also, with the ability to load text files directly into OpenAir Workplace accords users with the deserved peace of mind. Users no longer have to worry about or need to coordinate designating space in third-party tools.

Final Thoughts

OpenAir is a unique and all-around beneficial professional services automation solution and as with any solution, approaches to using and getting the most out of it differ. Scripting is a powerful tool within OpenAir that can solve simple to very complex needs and is a fast way to make big productivity improvements.

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about how OpenAir scripting can take your business to the next level.