As AI adoption accelerates in the NetSuite ecosystem, we're seeing a flood of new "AI agent" solutions hitting the market. Some are exciting. Others, frankly, are just rebranded workflow tools or scripted automations with a chatbot bolted on.

That matters, because what's being sold as an "agent" isn't always what most of us mean when we talk about true, autonomous AI.

The Wide Spectrum of "Agents"

There's a wide spectrum of what gets labeled an AI agent. Some tools call any prebuilt automation or workflow an "agent."

True agents go further. Rather than simply following a script:

  • They observe state and context in real time.
  • They reason about that state and potential actions.
  • They decide and act — not blindly, but within guardrails.
  • They maintain auditability and explainability so humans can trust the outcomes.
  • They escalate when uncertain instead of acting recklessly.

That's a very different thing from a static "if-this-then-that" workflow with a conversational interface.

Ask Tougher Questions Before You Buy

Before investing in any NetSuite AI platform, ask:

  • Does it plan and adapt, or just execute predefined tasks?
  • Can it explain why it took an action?
  • Does it safely escalate when it's unsure, or can it act outside of its bounds?
  • How does it ensure financial accuracy and reconciliation?
  • Can you audit and verify its work after the fact?

If the answers aren't clear, or if the pitch is all speed and no safety, be cautious.

A Fast-Moving, Noisy Space

Right now, there's a rush to claim "NetSuite AI." Developers, partners, and vendors are racing to get something — anything — into the market. Terminology gets stretched. Marketing gets ahead of the technology. And confusion follows, along with disappointment.

That doesn't mean you should avoid AI. It means you should slow down just enough to ask better questions and separate true innovation from marketing gloss.

The Bottom Line

Real agents will change how we work in NetSuite, but only if they're built with rigor: explainability, guardrails, and trustworthy data foundations.

Don't buy into the hype cycle. Evaluate carefully, and choose NetSuite AI solutions that are transparent and safe as well as powerful.

One more thing to consider: Maybe all you really need is Claude or ChatGPT and the NetSuite AI Connector?

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.