How to Integrate ShipBob With NetSuite: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• The ShipBob-NetSuite integration creates a bi-directional data bridge that imports sales orders from NetSuite for fulfillment and pushes tracking data back
• Direct integration setup can often be completed in a few hours for basic configurations, with timing varying based on your NetSuite setup, testing needs, and workflow complexity
• Spikeball achieved 40% fulfillment cost savings and 80% faster packing efficiency after adopting ShipBob’s WMS and connected workflows
• Third-party iPaaS partners offer pre-built workflows for complex multi-subsidiary deployments
• Proper NetSuite preparation—including custom fields and role permissions—prevents many common integration failures

Understanding the Benefits of ShipBob NetSuite Integration

The core value of connecting ShipBob with NetSuite lies in eliminating the manual handoffs that create bottlenecks in your fulfillment operations. When orders flow automatically from your ERP to your 3PL, you gain speed and accuracy that manual processes simply cannot match.

Key benefits include:

• Automated order submission – Sales orders meeting your criteria automatically route to ShipBob for fulfillment without manual intervention
• Real-time inventory synchronization – Stock levels update across both systems, preventing overselling and enabling accurate forecasting
• Automated fulfillment records – Tracking numbers and shipment data flow back to NetSuite, keeping your financial records current
• Single source of truth – NetSuite remains your central hub while ShipBob handles physical fulfillment

The business impact is measurable. Spikeball's implementation resulted in a workforce reduction from 3–4 people spending all day packing DTC orders to one manager picking and packing from 7:00 am to noon. That efficiency translates directly to your bottom line through reduced labor costs and faster order processing.

For companies managing wholesale distribution or multi-channel retail, the integration delivers centralized visibility that makes inventory management significantly simpler.

Key Components of a ShipBob NetSuite Integration

Understanding what data moves between systems helps you plan your implementation effectively. The integration connects through NetSuite SuiteTalk web services, typically using token-based authentication (TBA), with OAuth 2.0 used where applicable for REST web services and RESTlets.

Data points synchronized include:

• Order data – Sales orders with line items, quantities, shipping addresses, and custom field values
• Inventory levels – Product quantities updated through scheduled or real-time syncs
• Fulfillment records – Item fulfillments with tracking numbers linked to original sales orders
• SKU mapping – Product identifiers matched between NetSuite inventory items and ShipBob products

The systems communicate through API calls that handle:

• Order import from NetSuite to ShipBob (configurable filters by status, subsidiary, or source)
• Fulfillment acknowledgment from ShipBob back to NetSuite
• Inventory "True Up" syncs to reconcile quantities across systems
• Custom field mapping for special order properties

This two-way data flow ensures your ERP reflects accurate fulfillment status while ShipBob receives complete order information for processing.

Preparing Your NetSuite Environment for ShipBob Integration

Proper preparation prevents the majority of integration issues. Before connecting to ShipBob, complete these NetSuite configurations to ensure a smooth setup.

Creating the Required Custom Field

You need a transaction body field to track which orders have been imported to ShipBob:

1. Look for Customization options, then Lists, Records & Fields, then Transaction Body Fields, and select New
2. Configure the field:
3. Label: "Imported to ShipBob"
4. ID: "_shipbob_imported"
5. Type: Check Box
6. Applies To: Check "Sale" under transaction types
7. Display: Check "Show In List"
8. Save the field

This checkbox automatically updates to TRUE when orders successfully sync, allowing you to filter and verify synced transactions.

Enabling Required NetSuite Features

The integration requires web services enabled in your account:

1. Look for Setup options, then Company, then Enable Features
2. Under the Transactions tab, check "Advanced Shipping" in Shipping & Receiving
3. Navigate to the SuiteCloud subtab
4. Enable both "SOAP Web Services" and "REST Web Services" under SuiteTalk
5. Save your changes

Without these features enabled, the API cannot communicate with ShipBob. If you're new to NetSuite integrations, our guide on preparing for implementations covers additional best practices.

Configuring Roles and Permissions

Create a dedicated integration user with appropriate access:

1. Look for Setup options, then Users/Roles, then Manage Roles, and select New
2. Name the role (e.g., "ShipBob Integration User")
3. Assign permissions including:
4. Setup Tab access
5. Lists Tab access
6. Transactions Tab access
7. Custom Records Tab access
8. Reports Tab access
9. Assign this role to the employee account used for integration

Proper role configuration prevents the common "insufficient permissions" errors that halt integration setup.

Establishing NetSuite Connectivity with ShipBob

With your NetSuite environment prepared, you can now create the connection. This process takes approximately 15-30 minutes for basic configurations.

Creating the Integration Record

1. Look for Setup options, then Integration, then Manage Integrations, and select New
2. Name your integration (e.g., "ShipBob Fulfillment")
3. Under Token-Based Authentication, enable:
4. Token-Based Authentication
5. TBA: Authorization Flow API
6. Under OAuth 2.0, enable:
7. Public Client
8. Restlets
9. REST Web Services
10. Save and copy the Consumer Key and Consumer Secret

Store these credentials securely—you'll need them for the ShipBob connection. For detailed authentication setup, review our OAuth 2.0 configuration guide.

Connecting in ShipBob Dashboard

1. Log into your ShipBob dashboard
2. Look for Integrations, then App Store
3. Search for "NetSuite" and click Connect
4. Enter your credentials:
5. Company ID/Account ID (found in Setup > Company > Company Information)
6. Consumer Key and Consumer Secret
7. Token ID and Token Secret
8. Authorize the connection

Important: If using a sandbox environment, convert the suffix format. NetSuite displays "_SB2" but ShipBob requires "-sb2" in the Company ID field.

Configuring Sync Settings

After connection, configure your sync preferences:

• Order sync toggle – Enable/disable automatic order import
• Start shipping date – Set when syncing should begin
• Import delay – Optional 30-minute to 24-hour delay to catch cancellations before fulfillment
• Subsidiary filters – Select which NetSuite subsidiaries should sync
• Status filters – Choose order statuses that trigger import (typically "Pending Fulfillment")
• Custom field mapping – Map NetSuite transaction fields to ShipBob order properties

Configuring Data Flow: Orders, Inventory, and Shipments

Once connected, the integration handles three primary data flows that require configuration based on your business processes.

Automating Order Submission

Orders meeting your filter criteria automatically import to ShipBob. Configuration options include:

• Status-based routing – Only orders in "Pending Fulfillment" status sync by default
• Source filtering – Route orders from specific sales channels or subsidiaries
• Custom field triggers – Use checkbox fields to control which orders should fulfill

The import delay feature proves valuable for businesses with high cancellation rates. A 30-minute delay allows customer service to catch cancellation requests before ShipBob begins processing.

Synchronizing Inventory Levels

Inventory sync operates in two modes:

• Real-time updates – Individual quantity changes push immediately after fulfillments
• Scheduled "True Up" syncs – Batch reconciliation at configurable intervals

For businesses with high transaction volumes, the True Up sync prevents inventory discrepancies that accumulate from timing issues. Configure sync frequency based on your order velocity—high-volume operations benefit from more frequent reconciliation.

Building proper NetSuite workflows can extend this functionality with custom logic for inventory allocation, backorder handling, and location-specific routing.

Managing Fulfillment Records

When ShipBob ships an order, the integration creates item fulfillment records in NetSuite containing:

• Tracking numbers from the carrier
• Ship date and carrier information
• Package details and weights
• Link to the original sales order

These records automatically update transactions, maintaining accurate revenue recognition and customer communication.

Handling Common Integration Challenges and Troubleshooting

Even well-planned integrations encounter issues. Understanding common problems accelerates resolution.

Frequent Setup Issues

Web services not enabled:

• Cause: Missing feature activation
• Solution: Enable SOAP and REST Web Services in SuiteCloud settings

Insufficient permissions:

• Cause: Role lacks required tabs
• Solution: Add Setup, Lists, Transactions, Custom Records, and Reports permissions

Orders not syncing:

• Cause: Status filter mismatch
• Solution: Verify orders match configured status (e.g., "Pending Fulfillment")

Sandbox suffix error:

• Cause: Format incompatibility
• Solution: Convert "_SB2" to "-sb2" when entering Company ID

Custom field mapping errors:

• Cause: ID mismatch
• Solution: Confirm field IDs are exact matches (case-sensitive)

Data Discrepancy Resolution

When inventory counts differ between systems:

1. Perform a manual True Up sync to reset baseline quantities
2. Review recent transactions for failed syncs
3. Check API error logs in both platforms
4. Verify SKU mapping accuracy between systems

For persistent issues, NetSuite integration specialists can diagnose complex data flow problems that basic troubleshooting misses.

Optimizing Your ShipBob NetSuite Integration for Performance

After initial setup, optimization ensures long-term reliability and maximum value from your integration.

Leveraging NetSuite Features

Extend your integration capabilities with:

• Saved searches – Create views showing sync status, failed orders, and inventory discrepancies
• Custom dashboards – Build real-time visibility into fulfillment metrics
• Workflow automation – Trigger notifications for sync failures or inventory thresholds
• Reports – Track fulfillment performance and identify bottlenecks

NetSuite's saved search functionality provides powerful monitoring capabilities when configured with integration-specific criteria.

Setting Up Alerts and Monitoring

Proactive monitoring prevents small issues from becoming operational failures:

• Sync failure alerts – Email notifications when orders fail to import
• Inventory threshold warnings – Alerts when stock drops below reorder points
• Fulfillment delay notifications – Flag orders exceeding expected processing time
• Daily reconciliation reports – Summary of sync activity and discrepancies

Maintenance Best Practices

• Monthly reconciliation – Compare NetSuite inventory counts against ShipBob quantities
• Quarterly field mapping review – Verify custom fields still map correctly after NetSuite updates
• User access audits – Ensure integration user permissions remain appropriate
• API limit monitoring – Track usage against NetSuite concurrency limits

Advanced Use Cases for ShipBob NetSuite Integration

Beyond basic order fulfillment, the integration supports complex operational scenarios.

Multi-Location Inventory Management

Organizations using multiple ShipBob fulfillment centers can:

• Configure location-specific inventory tracking in NetSuite
• Route orders to optimal fulfillment centers based on customer location
• Maintain separate stock counts per warehouse
• Enable cross-location transfers and rebalancing

B2B and DTC Channel Integration

When selling through both wholesale and direct channels, the integration handles:

• Channel-specific routing rules
• Different fulfillment priorities by customer type
• Split shipments for mixed B2B/DTC orders
• Customer portal integration for order tracking

For businesses using SuiteCommerce or BigCommerce, orders from your ecommerce platform flow through NetSuite to ShipBob seamlessly.

Kitting and Bundle Support

The integration handles assembly items and kits by:

• Syncing component-level inventory
• Routing kit orders for assembly at fulfillment centers
• Tracking finished goods separately from components
• Supporting subscription box and build-your-own-kit scenarios

Third-Party iPaaS for Complex Requirements

When direct integration limitations surface, iPaaS platforms like Pipe17 offer:

• Pre-built workflows for multi-subsidiary operations
• Advanced order routing logic
• Multi-warehouse orchestration beyond ShipBob's network
• Custom exception handling and retry logic

Pipe17 reports achieving 15x API call reduction compared to traditional integrations, which matters for high-volume operations approaching NetSuite concurrency limits.

When to Partner with NetSuite Consultants for ShipBob Integration

While basic integrations succeed with internal resources, certain scenarios benefit from expert guidance.

DIY is appropriate when:

• You operate a single NetSuite subsidiary
• Order flows follow standard patterns
• Basic inventory sync meets your needs
• SKU count remains manageable (under 500 items)
• ShipBob serves as your sole 3PL

Professional support adds value when:

• Multi-subsidiary complexity exists
• Custom field requirements exceed standard mapping
• Advanced inventory allocation rules apply
• B2B and DTC channels require different handling
• Migration from legacy systems is involved

Consultant engagement is recommended for:

• Cross-subsidiary fulfillment orchestration
• Multiple 3PLs or hybrid warehouse operations
• Custom order routing logic
• API rate limit optimization
• Integration with existing SuiteScript customizations

The right partner accelerates implementation while preventing costly missteps that create technical debt.

Why Anchor Group Makes ShipBob NetSuite Integration Easier

When your ShipBob integration requires more than basic configuration, working with experienced NetSuite consultants saves time and prevents costly errors. As an Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner, Anchor Group brings deep expertise in NetSuite ERP implementation and integration projects across wholesale distribution, manufacturing, and retail industries.

What sets Anchor Group apart:

• Integration expertise – Our team has configured countless third-party connections, understanding the nuances that cause sync failures
• Industry experience – More clients in wholesale distribution than any other category means we understand fulfillment workflows intimately
• 35+ pre-built apps – Ready solutions for common SuiteCommerce and integration challenges
• Midwestern accountability – "Working with us should feel like calling up your neighbor for a hand—familiar, reliable, and no fuss"

Client results speak for themselves. As one project manager noted: "Our team's morale and hope for the future dramatically improved since your team is totally on it. They communicate super clearly, and they get things done efficiently."

Whether you need help with initial ShipBob configuration, advanced workflow automation, or ongoing managed services, our 30-minute fix consultations provide quick answers to pressing integration questions. For comprehensive integration support, explore our NetSuite consulting services designed to make your ERP a growth driver instead of a growing pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific data points are typically synchronized between ShipBob and NetSuite?

The integration synchronizes sales orders (including line items, quantities, and shipping addresses), inventory levels (product-specific or network-wide), item fulfillment records with tracking numbers, and custom field values mapped during configuration. Order data flows from NetSuite to ShipBob, while fulfillment confirmations and inventory updates flow back to NetSuite.

How long does a typical ShipBob NetSuite integration take to implement?

Basic configurations complete in 2-4 hours with the direct integration. Full implementations including testing and parallel operation typically require 1-2 weeks. Complex multi-subsidiary deployments using third-party iPaaS platforms may extend to 4-8 weeks depending on customization requirements.

Can I integrate ShipBob with both NetSuite ERP and SuiteCommerce?

Yes. Orders placed through SuiteCommerce create sales orders in NetSuite, which then sync to ShipBob for fulfillment. Tracking information flows back through NetSuite to update customer-facing order status in SuiteCommerce. This creates a complete order lifecycle managed through your existing NetSuite infrastructure.

What are the most common challenges faced during a ShipBob NetSuite integration?

The most frequent issues include web services not enabled in NetSuite, insufficient role permissions for the integration user, order status filters not matching actual order statuses, and custom field mapping errors due to case sensitivity. Proper NetSuite environment preparation prevents many of these problems.

Do I need a NetSuite consultant to integrate ShipBob with NetSuite effectively?

Not necessarily for basic implementations. Organizations with single subsidiaries, straightforward order flows, and limited customization needs can complete setup using ShipBob's guided onboarding. However, multi-subsidiary operations, complex routing requirements, or integration with existing SuiteScript customizations benefit significantly from experienced NetSuite specialists who understand both platforms deeply.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current updates or your specific configuration—please confirm details with your Anchor Group consultant.