- AI, NetSuite ERP
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate business discussions, but the real challenge in 2026 is turning ambition into action. The focus is no longer on testing ideas in isolation, but on making AI a reliable part of daily operations. For organisations planning to adopt AI at scale, success depends on integrating it into the systems and processes people already use, rather than relying on disconnected tools.
NetSuite ERP has been built with this transition in mind, supporting the move from experimentation to practical application. Instead of positioning AI as an external assistant or bolt-on feature, NetSuite embeds intelligence directly into operational workflows. This means insights, automation, and anomaly detection are available at the point of work, enabling teams to respond immediately and turn data into decisions without switching systems.
AI, Copilots, and Embedded Intelligence
To understand how AI can deliver real business value, it is helpful to separate three key approaches:
General-purpose AI
Usually accessed through public platforms, general-purpose AI can be useful for drafting content or generating ideas. However, it is rarely connected to ERP processes in a controlled, secure way.
Copilots
These tools act as digital assistants, helping users complete tasks, answer questions, and surface insights. In many cases, they operate alongside systems rather than being embedded within core business processes.
Embedded intelligence
This model places AI directly inside software and workflows, allowing systems to learn from data, adapt to changing conditions, and produce outcomes in real time without constant manual input.
NetSuite incorporates elements of all three, but its greatest strength lies in embedded intelligence. Ask Oracle, NetSuite’s natural language interface, enables users to search, explore, and take action using everyday language, while remaining within the ERP environment. It delivers responses that are grounded in business context and explains not only results but also the reasoning behind them, supporting more informed collaboration across teams.
Unlike standalone copilots that focus primarily on providing answers or generating content, NetSuite ERP integrates AI into everyday activity. Whether reviewing data or managing transactions, users can rely on Ask Oracle for immediate guidance and insights that align with the task at hand.
What really matters in 2026
For senior leaders, the discussion has moved beyond whether AI should be adopted and now centres on where it can consistently deliver measurable business value. Organisations are increasingly focused on identifying clear use cases that support defined objectives, such as accelerating financial close processes or improving forecasting accuracy.
To achieve this, AI must extend beyond personal productivity tools and become part of the core systems that manage operations and financial performance. When intelligence is built into these workflows, it can drive meaningful efficiency improvements across the organisation.
Responsible deployment is also critical. When AI plays a role in decisions that affect cash flow, stock levels, or regulatory compliance, governance and security must be built in from the outset. NetSuite’s AI capabilities are delivered on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, offering enterprise-grade security, performance, and reliability, while ensuring actions remain aligned with defined controls and business rules.
How NetSuite approaches AI differently
NetSuite’s approach to AI is grounded in its platform architecture. A single, unified suite combines financial management, CRM, eCommerce, and operational functions, creating a consistent source of data across the organisation. This unified dataset is essential for generating insights that are accurate, relevant, and actionable.
On this foundation, NetSuite delivers intelligence that supports real workflows rather than operating as a separate layer. This allows teams to improve everyday performance through practical applications such as:
• Exception Management – Automatically reviews financial activity to detect unusual patterns and recommend corrective actions, helping reduce risk and prevent errors
• Narrative Reporting – Produces written explanations, summaries, and visual outputs from operational and financial data, accelerating analysis and communication
In addition to supporting routine processes, NetSuite AI also provides decision support by highlighting trends and relationships within data:
• NetSuite Planning and Budgeting – Applies AI to identify anomalies and patterns, enabling finance teams to better understand the drivers behind performance
• NetSuite Analytics Warehouse – Uses intelligent discovery tools to uncover revenue opportunities and key business indicators, supporting informed decisions across departments
NetSuite ERP benefits and how OSSM can help
For organisations assessing NetSuite ERP benefits, embedded AI is a major differentiator. Built directly into the platform, it enhances finance, operations, planning, and reporting by reducing manual effort, improving control, and enabling more proactive, data-led decision-making. Over time, this embedded intelligence can contribute to stronger performance, improved efficiency, and healthier margins.
Working with experienced NetSuite consulting partners is key to realising these advantages. As a leading NetSuite Solution Provider in the UK, OSSM supports organisations through implementation, optimisation, and ongoing development. Our team helps define relevant AI use cases, configure workflows, and extend NetSuite with industry-specific capabilities, ensuring that intelligent features are aligned with genuine business needs.
For organisations ready to move beyond experimentation and embed AI into daily operations, NetSuite is designed for this next phase. Speak with our specialists to learn how intelligent workflows can increase efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and reshape the way your business operates.
About the Author
Brian Doherty
Brian is an experienced Solution Consultant with deep expertise in the ERP software industry, having worked with NetSuite solutions since 2013. Prior to that, he supported and implemented Sage finance and ERP systems. Over the years, Brian has successfully project managed, implemented, and supported NetSuite across a range of industries. He brings a strong focus to business process analysis, working closely with customers to align solutions with their specific needs and objectives.
