How to Get Ready for NetSuite’s 2025.2 Release

How to Get Ready for NetSuite’s 2025.2 Release

NetSuite’s next major update is almost here, and preparation is key to making sure your organization transitions smoothly. Staying proactive will help you leverage new capabilities, avoid unexpected issues, and keep day-to-day operations running without disruption.

Below, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to check your upgrade schedule, and how to test your system before your go-live date.

NetSuite Release Timing: When Do Updates Happen?

NetSuite rolls out two main upgrades each year:

• Spring Release: Generally in March or April
• Fall Release: Typically around September or October

These updates are deployed gradually over several months. Each customer receives a unique timeline for when their production and sandbox environments will be updated. Usually, your sandbox environment is refreshed about a week after your production upgrade.

Where to Find Your Upgrade Date

To confirm exactly when your account will be upgraded, log into NetSuite and check the New Release Portlet on your Home dashboard.

This portlet shows:

• Your current release phase
• The scheduled date and time of your update (available roughly three weeks in advance)

Be sure to set reminders so your team can plan ahead.

Exploring the Release Preview

About four weeks before your production update, you can access a Release Preview environment to explore new features and test your processes.

To request Release Preview access:

1. Navigate to Setup > Company > Release Preview
2. Submit your request
3. Track status through Account Status and Account Notifications

You’ll get an email and in-app alert once your preview environment is ready. Remember that once your production account is updated, your Release Preview access will end, and any test data there will be removed.

Granting Release Preview Access to Users

For One User:

1. In Release Preview, go to Lists > Employees > Employees.
2. Click Edit on the employee record.
3. On the Access subtab, uncheck Give Access and save.
4. Re-edit the record, re-check Give Access, and assign roles again.
5. Notify the user to log out and back in. Their Release Preview role will be marked with “RP.”

For Multiple Users:

1. Create a saved search showing employee Internal IDs and access status.
2. Export to CSV.
3. Use Setup > Import/Export > Import CSV Records to upload updates.
4. Map fields such as Internal ID and Give Access, then run the import.

This process ensures your team can preview the update and participate in testing.

Join NetSuite’s Virtual Event for 2025.2 Release Readiness

Oracle NetSuite is hosting a free virtual event to help you prepare for the upcoming 2025.2 release.

Get Ready for NetSuite 2025 Release 2
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 10:00–10:45 a.m. PDT

During this session, you’ll learn:

• What the upgrade process entails for your account
• How to create and implement a robust test plan
• Tips to make the most of the free Release Preview environment
• Strategies for working with NetSuite Advanced Customer Support to ensure a smooth transition

Featured Speakers:
Sarah Emery – Consulting Technical Director, Oracle NetSuite
Ali Maksoud – Product Marketing Manager, Oracle NetSuite

This is a valuable opportunity to get direct insights and best practices from NetSuite experts.

Reserve your spot for the virtual event today to get expert guidance on preparing for NetSuite 2025.2 and make sure your organization is ready for a smooth, successful upgrade.

Building a Solid Test Plan

A structured test plan helps you confirm everything works as expected before the update. Here’s how to approach it:

Define Objectives

• Review the release notes to understand what’s new.
• Align new features with your business goals.
• Identify which customizations, scripts, and integrations need validation.

Focus Areas

• Custom Scripts and Workflows: Ensure no breakage occurs.
• Integrations: Verify connections with third-party systems.
• Core Business Processes: Confirm key operations run as usual.
• User Experience: Familiarize your team with any interface updates.

Prepare Test Data

• Back up critical information.
• Create scenarios for:
  • Functional testing (new features)
  • Regression testing (existing functionality)
  • User acceptance testing (UAT)

Execute and Document

• Use your Release Preview or sandbox environment.
• Record results and issues.
• Adjust configurations as needed.

What Can You Test in Release Preview?

The Release Preview environment supports most standard functions. Examples of what you can test include:

• Custom records and workflows
• SuiteScript (server, client, workflow scripts)
• CSV imports and saved searches
• Secure domains and integrations (SOAP, OpenID Connect, Telephony)
• Two-factor authentication
• Memorized transactions and scheduled reports

Some features aren’t available in Release Preview, such as:

• Payroll
• Outlook Integration
• Intelligent Recommendations
• Fax services

Final Steps Before Go-Live

Before your scheduled update, be sure to:

• Review all test results
• Train end users on new capabilities
• Communicate any process changes
• Schedule time for any necessary adjustments

Preparation ensures your team will be ready to hit the ground running on the new version.

Need an Extra Hand?

Thorough preparation reduces the risk of disruptions and sets you up to get the most out of each new release. If you’d like expert guidance or hands-on support, our team specializes in NetSuite optimization, testing assistance, and upgrade planning.

Let’s make sure your system is ready—reach out to discuss how we can help your business stay ahead with NetSuite.