Best Method for OneStream Integration with Netsuite

[rsreenu]

Hello Integration Experts,

I would like to know what are the alternatives we have to Integrate Netsuite with OneStream and which is best among RESTAPI and ODBC.

Thanks

[franciscoamores]

Hi,

there are different aspects to consider.

In terms of functionality, you will get pretty much the same. Most of the integrations with NS pull data from saved searches. There are different ODBC drivers for NS but they should be providing same functionality. Some of them are 3rd party drivers so they have a cost (Ex: CDATA). But NS has also SuiteAnalytics which it's providing the ODBC driver. All the logic and functionality is embedded in the driver so you don't have to build any complex code to extract data. Your integration will look like a SQL one.

Also, ODBC driver requires the ODBC driver to be available which take you to use Smart Integration Connector most likely.

With REST API, you will have to build your own code including authentication. SIC is not needed. You may get more options but TBH, you should be ok with the ODBC one

If you want to keep things simple, the ODBC option looks better to me.

HTH

[rsreenu]

Thanks  franciscoamores

[rsreenu]

Hi   franciscoamores,

We have NetSuite Cloud and would like to Integrate with OneStream cloud and I would like to know if you have any experience in building these two cloud application using Restlets and if yes do you have any template with step by step  to build this Integration.

Thanks

[Omkareshwar]

Hi Ramachendruni Sreenu,

When it comes to working with NetSuite and accessing data, you have two primary options: utilizing an ODBC connection or leveraging the REST API. Both methods have their own advantages and considerations, so let's dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

1. ODBC Connection: With an ODBC connection, you can extract data from NetSuite using SQL queries. This approach is ideal if you only require data retrieval without the need to modify or update the NetSuite instance. ODBC offers the following benefits:

   a. Optimization: ODBC is highly optimized for pulling data directly from the NetSuite database, providing efficient and direct access to the required information.

   b. Direct Connection: ODBC establishes a direct connection to the NetSuite database, allowing you to query the data without any intermediate steps or conversions.

2. REST API: On the other hand, the REST API enables you to perform various operations, including data retrieval and modification, within NetSuite. This approach is useful when you need to make changes to the NetSuite instance from an external source, such as Onestream. Here are some key points to consider:

   a. Data Manipulation: REST API allows you to make POST requests and modify NetSuite data, providing flexibility beyond simple data retrieval.

   b. JSON Response: When using the REST API, the database is queried, and the results are packed as a JSON response, which is then sent over the HTTP protocol. This additional layer may introduce some overhead and result in slightly slower performance compared to ODBC, particularly in specific scenarios.

   Based on Your Use Case: To determine the most suitable approach, consider your specific requirements. If your primary objective is to fetch data from NetSuite without any modifications, ODBC offers a more optimized and direct connection to the database, making it an ideal choice.

   However, if you need to make changes or updates to the NetSuite instance from Onestream or any other external system, the REST API provides the necessary functionality and flexibility.

   In conclusion, the decision between ODBC and REST API depends on your use case. If data retrieval is your main goal, ODBC is recommended for its optimized and direct access to the database. On the other hand, if you require data modification capabilities, the REST API is the way to go.

Thanks, Omkareshwar

Archetype Consulting

[rsreenu]

Thank you Omkareshwar

[rsreenu]

Hi  Omkareswar,

We have NetSuite Cloud and would like to Integrate with OneStream cloud and I would like to know if you have any experience in building these two cloud application using Restlets and if yes do you have any template with step by step  to build this Integration.

Thanks

[Omkareshwar]

Hi rsreenu, 

I don't have any template for this, but you can refer this video this will give you a lot of information how you can connect to NetSuite using OAuth 2.0 and RESTLets.

https://youtu.be/MAOMQp5dh0U

[rsreenu]

Hi Omkareshwar,

May I know the best approach on mapping the Netsuite dimension fields with OneStream dimensions as we have issues with how to pull YTD value from Netsuite and preparing the report for OneStream mappings as we get on Transactional level basis for each period.

eg: How to match the data with Trail balance in Netsuite with OneStream MTD & YTD data 

Thanks

Sreenu

[Omkareshwar]

You can pull the periodic values from NetSuite and aggregate them in stage. 

For example, if you're in March pull Jan + Feb + March and once you go to validate step it will automatically aggregate all the values with same intersections. 

I hope that answers your question.

[rsreenu]

Yes, we are in the process of preparing the source file before importing the data into OneStream and we are facing the issue how to match the mapping with OneStream & Netsuite dimension to understand the MTD and YTD both values are matching since we have challenges to pull YTD values which should include Opening balance(Last year ending balance for Balance sheet) and Intercompany accounts which are not having counterparty accounts/Entities.

Do you have any idea on this scenario to understand how to prepare the Source data set file.

Thanks

Sreenu