NetSuite’s first major release of 2026 is here, bringing a wave of updates designed to automate complex workflows and provide deeper intelligence. This release focuses heavily on embedded AI, modernised analytics, and more flexible project management tools to help your business stay agile.

In this article, we’re highlighting three areas where the 2026.1 release brings meaningful improvements: SuiteAnalytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Projects. Rather than a full release recap, this overview focuses on how these updates can support real operational outcomes across finance, leadership, and delivery teams.

SuiteAnalytics: Smarter Insights & Modernised Connectivity

SuiteAnalytics continues to evolve into a more user-friendly and secure reporting environment with several key infrastructure and feature updates.

• AI Summaries for Reports: You can now use generative AI to instantly summarise the results of some reports. This allows for a quicker understanding of data without manual analysis.
• Refined Web Publishing: The process for making data available online is now more intuitive; users now check an "Available for publishing on website" box rather than the generic "Public" box used previously.
• Critical Connectivity Transitions: The outdated NetSuite.com data source has been officially removed. All users must now use NetSuite2.com for SuiteAnalytics Connect to ensure their queries continue to function.
• Security Upgrades: NetSuite strongly recommends upgrading to JDBC driver version 8.10.184.0 to implement important security fixes.
• Analytics Warehouse Configuration Improvements: The redesigned NetSuite Analytics Warehouse configuration page improves navigation and usability, making it easier for teams to access documentation, training, and release information directly from within NetSuite.

Artificial Intelligence: Efficiency in the "Close" and Beyond

AI is no longer just a background feature; in 2026.1, it becomes a proactive partner for both accountants and developers.

• The Close Manager Portlet: This new dashboard tool uses AI-driven exception detection to provide a centralised view of your month-end tasks. It monitors for missing transactions and provides real-time KPIs like "Largest Outstanding Task" and "Potential Variance" to ensure a timely close.
• SuiteCloud Developer Assistant: Integrated with Visual Studio Code through the Cline extension, this AI-powered sidekick helps developers generate SuiteScript 2.1 code and create XML custom objects through real-time, context-aware assistance.
• Redesigned Text Enhance Experience: The AI "Text Enhance" feature is now easier to find via a combination button in text fields. With one click, you can "Clean up" or "Generate" content, or use the dropdown to translate text into English, German, or Japanese.

Projects: Streamlining Task Management & Revenue

Project managers gain significant quality-of-life improvements that reduce manual data entry and improve financial accuracy.

• Bulk Task Inline Editing: You no longer need to switch between multiple forms to build a project plan. A new "Add/Edit Tasks in Bulk" button allows you to enter names, statuses, and planned work for multiple tasks directly into an inline table during project creation.
• On-Demand Revenue Recalculation: You can now trigger a recalculation of revenue arrangements or plans directly from the project record via the Actions menu. This provides immediate visibility into how project changes affect your recognised revenue.
• Updated Requirements: To utilise these enhanced revenue features, ensure that Project Management, Advanced Revenue Management, and Charge-Based Billing are all enabled in your account.

What These Updates Mean in Practice

While each enhancement delivers value on its own, the real impact comes from how they work together:

• SuiteAnalytics improves visibility and understanding

• Artificial Intelligence supports proactive decision-making and exception handling

• Projects enhancements reduce admin effort and improve financial accuracy

These changes are particularly relevant for:

• Professional services and project-driven organisations

• Finance-led teams looking for better close control

• Leadership teams that rely on timely, trustworthy insights

Final Thoughts: Getting More Value from NetSuite 2026.1

The NetSuite 2026.1 release represents a significant step forward in making enterprise data more accessible and actionable. By transitioning to modernised data sources like NetSuite2.com, leveraging the new AI Close Manager, and utilising bulk project editing, your team can spend less time on manual administration and more time on strategic growth.

👉  Got questions?  Book a consultation today to see how these 2026.1 enhancements can be tailored to your specific business workflows.