Choosing How to Connect NetSuite

NetXcel offers four ways to connect to NetSuite. They're not interchangeable, pick based on what you're trying to do and who's connecting.

Need AI or MCP features?

Use User Authorization (AI Connector). It's the only method that works with NetSuite's standard MCP connection, and it only works for that: it can't be used for Data Management, Analytics, Reports, or anything else.

Everything else: Data Management, Analytics, Reports

For every other NetXcel workflow, pick based on who's connecting and how:

• Simplest to set up, works for everything: Token-Based Authentication (TBA). NetSuite has announced plans to retire TBA in the future, so it may not be the best long-term choice.
• Tied to your own NetSuite login: User Authorization (REST APIs). Requires you to have NetSuite access yourself. Can't be used for AI/MCP.
• An unattended, automated connection not tied to anyone's login: Machine to Machine. Needs a public/private key pair (a certificate) uploaded to NetSuite, more setup work, but doesn't depend on a person's active session.

You'll probably need your NetSuite admin

Creating the NetSuite Integration Record, the first step for every method, requires the NetSuite Administrator role, or a role with the "Integration Application" permission. Most NetXcel users aren't NetSuite admins. If that's you, ask whoever is, often a different person than your NetXcel admin, to create the record and hand you the credentials, or to do the setup on your behalf.