Published on August 15, 2025.

Over the past few days, I've spent some time experimenting with NetSuite's new AI Connector Service. I think that its sleeper capability is its ability to provide Claude with access to data via SuiteQL queries. This means we don't always need custom MCP tools to make NetSuite data available. It opens the door to analyzing all sorts of information, directly, flexibly, and instantly.

With this powerful combination, SuiteQL-savvy business users can now run instant, ad hoc analysis that turns raw NetSuite data into actionable intelligence.

Running SuiteQL Queries Directly in Claude

The NetSuite AI Connector opens a new paradigm for ERP analytics. Instead of being limited to pre-built reports and dashboards, you can now run sophisticated SuiteQL queries directly through Claude and receive immediate analysis of the results.

Here's an example:

SELECT
    ID,
    FirstName AS "First Name",
    LastName AS "Last Name",
    Title,
    Supervisor AS "Supervisor ID",
    BUILTIN.DF( Supervisor ) AS "Supervisor Name",
    Subsidiary AS "Subsidiary ID",
    BUILTIN.DF( Subsidiary ) AS "Subsidiary Name",
    Department AS "Department ID",
    BUILTIN.DF( Department ) AS "Department Name"
FROM
    Employee
WHERE
    -- Exclude inactive employees for current workforce analysis.
    ( IsInactive = 'F' )

Within seconds, Claude executes the query and provides:
• Organizational structure insights
• Headcount distribution across regions and departments
• Management hierarchy analysis
• Data quality observations
• Strategic recommendations

Security and Permissions

It's worth noting that SuiteQL queries can only be run against the tables and data that your NetSuite role has permissions to access. This ensures that sensitive data remains secure and unavailable to unauthorized users. If you're concerned about security, this should give you confidence that the AI Connector respects the same permission model you already rely on in NetSuite.

The Secret Sauce: Writing Queries for AI

The real breakthrough comes when you write SuiteQL queries with AI interpretation in mind. The way you structure queries, use aliases, and add comments directly affects the quality of insights Claude delivers.

Descriptive Aliases

SELECT Supervisor, BUILTIN.DF(Supervisor), Subsidiary, BUILTIN.DF(Subsidiary)
FROM Employee

SELECT
    Supervisor AS "Supervisor ID",
    BUILTIN.DF( Supervisor ) AS "Supervisor Name",
    Subsidiary AS "Subsidiary ID",
    BUILTIN.DF( Subsidiary ) AS "Subsidiary Name"
FROM Employee

The second approach instantly communicates:
• Data Relationships: The parallel ID/Name structure reveals relational context.
• Business Meaning: Clear aliases like "Supervisor Name" provide semantic clarity.
• Analysis Intent: Claude knows you want both reference IDs and readable values.

Inline Comments as AI Guidance

Comments aren't just helpful for developers. They also help AI interpret intent.

For example...

WHERE
    -- Exclude inactive employees for current workforce analysis.
    ( IsInactive = 'F' )

This small note tells Claude:
• The business context (workforce analysis)
• The filtering logic (active vs inactive)
• The analytical intent (current state, not historical)

Leveraging NetSuite Functions

Using BUILTIN.DF() together with thoughtful aliases creates a query result that's ideal for AI:
• ID Fields allow grouping, pattern analysis, and relationships.
• Display Fields allow human-readable reporting and recommendations.

Best Practices for Maximum Impact

Write Self-Documenting Queries
• Use aliases that describe meaning
• Add comments to capture intent
• Think about both human and AI readability

Leverage NetSuite Functions
• Use BUILTIN.DF() to map IDs to names.
• Date functions for time-based trends
• Hierarchical functions for org data

Go Beyond Data Retrieval
• Frame queries for analysis, not extraction
• Include contextual fields that help interpretation
• Structure results to reveal patterns

Iterate and Refine
• Start broad, then narrow
• Use Claude's feedback to expand or adjust
• Continuously improve query quality

The Future of ERP Analytics

The NetSuite AI Connector isn't just a new feature — it's a new way of thinking about business intelligence.

By combining SuiteQL's flexibility with Claude's analytical power, organizations can:
• Democratize Analysis: Insights for business users without IT dependency
• Accelerate Decisions: Minutes instead of days
• Improve Data Quality: AI highlights gaps and inconsistencies
• Scale Intelligence: One approach, unlimited scenarios

Queries as Conversations

I believe the real shift that's happening - or is about to happen - isn't really technical. Instead, it's about mindset, and thinking differently.

Instead of thinking about SuiteQL queries as simply a way to extract data, we need to start thinking of them as a way to guide conversations with AI.

When you:
• Add aliases that carry meaning,
• Write comments that explain intent,
• And frame queries as questions,
you transform raw NetSuite data into strategic intelligence.

The future of ERP analytics is here: intelligent conversations with your data, powered by SuiteQL and the NetSuite AI Connector.