How to Configure Tablet-Based POS Systems Using SuiteCommerce InStore

Key Takeaways

• SuiteCommerce InStore requires an active NetSuite subscription starting at $999+/month for base ERP plus SuiteCommerce module
• Hardware costs run $1,850-$3,200 per register (tablet, scanner, printer, cash drawer)
• Implementation typically requires substantial configuration effort across multiple locations
• Compatible tablets limited to iPad Generation 5 or newer, or Surface Pro 5 or newer
• Retailers report reduced lost sales through ship-from-store capabilities
• Average year-one investment for a 3-location deployment: $80,000-$150,000 including implementation

What Is SuiteCommerce InStore and Why Tablet-Based POS Matters for Modern Retail

SuiteCommerce InStore transforms tablets into full-featured retail terminals with native integration into your NetSuite ERP and e-commerce platform. Unlike traditional POS systems that sync data periodically, SCIS operates in real-time—every sale, return, or inventory adjustment immediately updates your central database.

This matters because modern shoppers expect seamless experiences across channels. When a customer buys online and returns in-store, your associates need instant access to that transaction history. When inventory runs low at one location, you need real-time visibility to fulfill from another store.

The Shift from Traditional Registers to Tablet POS

Legacy cash registers created data silos. Your in-store sales lived in one system, online orders in another, and inventory counts required manual reconciliation. Retailers waste significant time weekly per location on manual data entry and reconciliation.

Tablet-based POS running on SuiteCommerce InStore eliminates these gaps:

• Real-time inventory sync across all channels and locations
• Unified customer profiles showing complete purchase history
• Mobile checkout anywhere in the store (line-busting during peak times)
• Buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) fulfillment workflows
• Ship-from-store capabilities for out-of-stock items
• Offline mode that continues processing when internet drops

How SuiteCommerce InStore Connects Retail and ERP

The technical architecture matters for understanding configuration requirements. SCIS operates as a native NetSuite application—not a third-party integration requiring middleware. Your tablet connects directly to NetSuite's database through secure APIs, with all transaction logic, pricing rules, and inventory management handled by the same NetSuite ERP that powers your back office.

This unified platform means changes to pricing, promotions, or inventory availability immediately reflect across all touchpoints. When you configure customer-specific pricing tiers in NetSuite, those rules automatically apply whether the customer shops online or walks into your store.

Pre-Configuration Requirements: NetSuite Setup and Hardware Selection

Before you install the SCIS mobile app, you need the right NetSuite features enabled and compatible hardware selected.

Enabling the SuiteCommerce InStore Bundle

SuiteCommerce InStore requires a set of prerequisite features enabled in NetSuite, including:

• Web Site and SuiteCommerce Advanced (core e-commerce functionality)
• Multi-Location Inventory (track stock across stores)
• Bar Coding (scanner integration)
• Advanced Taxes (jurisdiction-based tax calculation)
• Gift Certificates (if you sell gift cards)
• Employee Center (for associate access)
• Roles and Permissions management

Look for an option to enable these features under company settings. Missing features will cause installation failures later.

Next, install the SuiteCommerce InStore bundle (Bundle ID 110261) through the SuiteBundler tool. This adds custom records, scripts, and fields that power SCIS functionality.

Choosing Compatible Tablet Hardware

Not all tablets work with SCIS. Oracle's compatibility list specifies:

• iPad: Generation 5 or newer (9.7-inch recommended for store use)
• Surface Pro: Generation 5 or newer (Windows 10/11)
• Operating System: iOS 13+ or Windows 10+

Budget approximately $800-$1,200 per tablet depending on model and storage capacity.

Peripheral Device Checklist

A functional SCIS register requires more than just a tablet. Essential peripheral devices include:

• Barcode Scanner (Product lookup) Socket Mobile CHS 7Ci/7Di/7Pi/7Xi models Est. Cost: $200-$400
• Receipt Printer (Customer receipts) Star TSP143III, Epson TM-T88VI Est. Cost: $300-$500
• Cash Drawer (Cash storage) APG Vasario 1616, Star mPOP Est. Cost: $150-$300
• Payment Terminal (EMV chip/contactless) MerchantE, Square, Fortis Est. Cost: $400-$800

Total hardware investment per register runs $1,850-$3,200, with WiFi network infrastructure adding another $500-$2,000 per location depending on coverage needs.

For detailed NetSuite backend configuration, review our guide on NetSuite Classes and Departments to understand how multi-location hierarchies work.

Step-by-Step: Configuring Locations and Registers in NetSuite

Proper location and register setup forms the foundation for SCIS functionality. Mistakes here create downstream issues with inventory, tax calculation, and reporting.

Setting Up Store Locations in NetSuite

Look for a location setup option in NetSuite and configure each physical store with these key fields:

• Location Name: Use clear identifiers (e.g., "Downtown Portland Store")
• Subsidiary: Select if using NetSuite OneWorld
• SCIS Store Safe Account: Designate a petty cash account for register tills
• SCIS Cash Drawer Difference: Create an account to track over/short discrepancies
• Make Inventory Available: Enable this checkbox
• Make Inventory Available In Web Store: Enable for omnichannel selling

The Store Safe Account is critical—this ledger account tracks the cash held in each register's till. When associates perform opening/closing cash counts, SCIS reconciles against this account.

Creating and Assigning Registers

After location setup, create register records by looking for the SCIS Register record type in your customization options:

• Register Name: Physical register identifier (e.g., "Register 1 - Downtown")
• Location: Link to the store location created above
• Default Payment Method: Usually "Cash"
• Opening Cash Amount: Starting till balance (e.g., $200)

Each tablet requires its own register record. If you have three checkout stations at one location, create three register records linked to that location.

Configuring Cashier Roles and Permissions

SCIS includes pre-built roles, but most retailers need customization. Look for the role management area and locate the SCIS Clerk role.

Create a copy (don't modify the default) and adjust permissions:

• Transactions: Can create Sales Orders, Cash Sales, Returns
• Items: View-only access to inventory items
• Customers: View customer records, cannot edit
• Discounts: Apply pre-approved discounts (manager override required for custom amounts)
• Reports: Access to daily sales summaries

For manager roles, clone SCIS Manager and grant additional permissions for voids, refunds, and manual discounts. Your NetSuite Roles strategy should balance security with operational efficiency.

Installing and Activating the SuiteCommerce InStore App on Tablets

With NetSuite backend configured, you're ready to install the mobile application.

Downloading the SuiteCommerce InStore App

For iPad:

1. Open App Store and search "NetSuite SuiteCommerce InStore"
2. Download and install the official Oracle app
3. Launch and look for account configuration option
4. Log in with NetSuite Administrator credentials

For Surface Pro:

1. Download the Windows installer from NetSuite's support portal
2. Run the installer with admin privileges
3. Launch app and select account configuration

Linking Tablets to Your NetSuite Account

The configuration wizard prompts for critical settings:

• NetSuite Account ID: Found in your NetSuite URL
• SCIS Website Internal ID: Available in your SuiteCommerce Advanced website setup
• Printing Technology: Select AirPrint (iPad) or Star/Epson (Surface)
• Default Location: Choose the store location for this tablet

Once configured, NetSuite creates a SCIS Mobile Device record that must be approved by an administrator before the tablet can process transactions.

Enabling Offline Sales Capability

SCIS supports limited offline mode when internet connectivity drops. Look for SCIS Settings and configure:

• Enable Offline Mode: Checked
• Offline Transaction Limit: Set a maximum number of transactions allowed before the device must reconnect and sync
• Offline Time Limit: Set how long a device can stay in offline mode before requiring re-authentication

Offline mode stores transactions locally on the tablet and syncs when connectivity restores. However, inventory levels and customer lookup won't update during offline periods—associates see cached data only.

Integrating Mobile Payment Apps and Payment Processing

Payment configuration requires both NetSuite gateway setup and hardware pairing.

Configuring Payment Gateways in NetSuite

Look for payment processing profile options and enter credentials from your payment processor:

• MerchantE: Requires merchant ID, terminal ID, encryption keys
• Fortis: Similar credential requirements
• Square: Uses OAuth authentication (easier setup but limited to Square ecosystem)

Each payment method (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) requires a separate SCIS Payment Method record with these key fields:

• Payment Method: Select credit card type
• Open Cash Drawer: Unchecked (only for cash payments)
• Authorized Roles: SCIS Clerk, SCIS Manager
• Credit Card Pattern: Regex to validate card numbers
• Icon: Upload card logo for POS interface

Pairing Mobile Card Readers with Tablets

For EMV chip card compliance, connect a certified payment terminal:

1. Power on the terminal and connect to same WiFi network as tablet
2. In SCIS app, look for payment device settings
3. Scan for devices and select your terminal from the list
4. Enter pairing code displayed on terminal screen

Supported terminals include MerchantE's Miura M010 and various Ingenico models. Verify your processor's certified device list before purchasing hardware.

Setting Up Contactless Payment Options

For Apple Pay and Google Pay:

• Your payment gateway must support tokenized transactions
• Enable contactless payments in SCIS Settings
• Configure NFC on your EMV terminal (typically enabled by default)
• Test transactions using your personal mobile wallet before going live

For detailed payment method troubleshooting, reference our BigCommerce Connector guide—the mapping concepts apply equally to SCIS.

Configuring Inventory Sync and Real-Time Stock Management

Real-time inventory visibility separates modern POS from legacy systems.

How SuiteCommerce InStore Syncs Inventory with NetSuite

Every item scan, sale, and return immediately updates NetSuite inventory records. When an associate adds a product to a transaction:

1. SCIS queries NetSuite for current available quantity at that location
2. NetSuite calculates available stock (on-hand minus committed)
3. SCIS displays real-time availability on the tablet
4. Upon checkout, NetSuite commits inventory to the sales order
5. Item fulfillment reduces on-hand quantity

This happens in milliseconds, ensuring accurate stock levels across all channels. However, network latency matters—stores with slow internet may experience 2-3 second delays during peak transaction times.

Enabling Real-Time Stock Visibility Across Channels

To display inventory from other locations during checkout, look for item display configuration options in your SuiteCommerce Advanced website settings:

• Show Stock: Enable
• Show Stock Across Locations: Enable
• Stock Display Style: Choose "All Locations" or "Nearby Stores Only"

Associates can then view inventory at sister stores and offer ship-from-store options when local stock runs out. Retailers report reduced lost sales by capturing these previously abandoned transactions.

Managing Inventory Transfers Between Locations

When one store needs to replenish from another, create transfer orders in NetSuite:

1. Look for inventory transfer order options
2. Select source and destination locations
3. Add items and quantities
4. Create item fulfillment at source location
5. Create item receipt at destination location

SCIS displays pending transfers in the inventory view, allowing associates to see incoming stock before it physically arrives. For manufacturing companies managing complex inventory, see our NetSuite WIP guide.

Setting Up Customer Accounts, Loyalty Programs, and CRM Integration

Unified customer data drives personalized experiences and repeat purchases.

Linking In-Store Purchases to Customer Profiles

During checkout in SCIS:

1. Associate looks for customer lookup option
2. Searches by name, email, or phone number
3. Selects customer from results
4. Transaction links to customer record in NetSuite

The customer's complete purchase history displays—online orders, in-store buys, returns, support cases—giving associates context for better service. This 360° view requires NetSuite CRM module activation.

Enrolling Customers in Loyalty Programs at the Register

Configure loyalty point accrual in SCIS Settings under the Loyalty configuration area:

• Enable Loyalty: Checked
• Points per Dollar: (e.g., 1 point per $1 spent)
• Points Multiplier Events: Holiday periods, product categories
• Redemption Ratio: (e.g., 100 points \= $5 discount)

When customers reach redemption thresholds, SCIS automatically prompts associates to apply discounts. Points sync immediately to the customer record, visible whether they shop online or in-store next time.

Configuring Tax Rules, Discounts, and Pricing for Multi-Location Retail

Accurate tax calculation and flexible pricing require careful NetSuite configuration.

Setting Up Tax Nexus and Jurisdiction Rules

Look for tax nexus configuration options and set up:

• State/Province: Each location where you collect sales tax
• Effective Date: When tax obligation began
• Tax Agency: State revenue department

For automated tax calculation across thousands of jurisdictions, integrate Avalara AvaTax through NetSuite's connector. SCIS passes transaction details to Avalara, which returns precise tax amounts based on product taxability codes, shipping details, customer exemption certificates, and special tax zones.

Creating POS-Specific Discounts and Promotions

Build discount items as new discount records:

• Discount Name: "10% Off Entire Purchase"
• Discount Rate: 10%
• Authorized Roles: SCIS Clerk (for automatic discounts), SCIS Manager (for manual discretionary)

Create SCIS Discount Reason custom records to track why discounts were applied:

• Price match competitor
• Damaged merchandise
• Loyalty reward
• Manager discretion

Audit logs capture which associate applied discounts and the reason selected—critical for loss prevention.

Managing Price Levels Across Store Locations

NetSuite supports multiple price levels per item:

• Base Price: Standard retail price
• Online Price: E-commerce pricing (may differ from in-store)
• Wholesale Price: B2B customer pricing
• Employee Price: Staff discount pricing

Configure which price level SCIS uses in the SCIS Settings pricing configuration. Most retailers select "Base Price" for in-store and reserve "Online Price" for web channels.

For bulk price updates across thousands of SKUs, use CSV import rather than manual editing.

Training Staff and Managing User Roles for Tablet POS

Technology only succeeds when people know how to use it.

Assigning Roles and Permissions for POS Users

Create employee records in NetSuite:

• Name, Email, Location: Basic employee data
• Access Settings: Enable NetSuite login
• Roles: Assign SCIS Clerk or SCIS Manager
• SCIS Access Code: 4-digit PIN for manager overrides

Manager access codes allow senior staff to approve returns over $100, void transactions, or apply discretionary discounts without logging out the cashier.

Creating Manager Override Procedures

Define approval thresholds in SCIS Settings approval configuration:

• Returns Without Receipt: Require manager (prevents fraud)
• Discount Over 15%: Require manager PIN
• Void Transaction: Require manager PIN
• Open Cash Drawer (no sale): Require manager PIN and log reason

All override events appear in the SCIS Audit Log, searchable by employee, date range, and action type.

Best Practices for Staff Training on Tablet POS

Effective training programs include:

Week 1: Classroom Learning (4 hours)

• NetSuite basics and why unified commerce matters
• SCIS interface navigation and checkout flow
• Product lookup, barcode scanning, manual entry
• Cash handling procedures (opening/closing till)

Week 2: Hands-On Practice (4 hours)

• Process mock transactions on training tablets
• Practice returns, exchanges, split payments
• Troubleshoot common errors
• Manager override scenarios

Week 3: Shadowing (8 hours)

• Observe experienced associates during live shift
• Handle supervised transactions with customers
• Ask questions in real operational context

Exploring Free and Low-Cost Point of Sale Software Alternatives

Not every retailer needs enterprise-grade POS—understanding alternatives helps justify SCIS investment.

Popular Free POS Software Options for Small Retailers

Square POS:

• Cost: Free for basic features, with in-person card rates typically around 2.6% + a small per-transaction fee
• Hardware: iPad required (~$300-$800)
• Best For: Single-location boutiques, pop-ups, food trucks
• Limitations: Limited inventory management, no true ERP integration, higher processing fees

Shopify POS Lite:

• Cost: Included with Shopify subscription ($39-$399/month)
• Hardware: iPad required
• Best For: Retailers already on Shopify e-commerce
• Limitations: Shopify ecosystem only, limited customization, basic reporting

Loyverse:

• Cost: Free core POS, $25/month per add-ons
• Hardware: Android tablet or iPad
• Best For: Coffee shops, quick-service restaurants
• Limitations: No ERP integration, basic analytics

When It Makes Sense to Upgrade to NetSuite-Powered POS

Consider SCIS when you:

• Operate 3+ retail locations with centralized inventory
• Process $1M+ annual revenue across online and in-store channels
• Need complex pricing (volume discounts, customer-specific, promotions)
• Require BOPIS and ship-from-store capabilities
• Want unified customer profiles across all touchpoints
• Already use NetSuite for back-office operations

Many mid-market retailers see payback somewhere in the 12–18 month range when accounting for reduced IT integration costs, eliminated manual reconciliation, and increased sales from omnichannel capabilities.

Troubleshooting Common SuiteCommerce InStore Configuration Issues

Even with careful setup, issues arise. Here are the most frequent problems and solutions.

Resolving Tablet Sync and Connectivity Problems

Problem: "Unable to connect to NetSuite" error on tablet launch

Solutions:

• Verify WiFi connection strength (requires stable 5+ Mbps)
• Check firewall rules allow connections to NetSuite domains
• Confirm SCIS Mobile Device record status is "Active"
• Re-enter NetSuite credentials and website ID

Problem: Inventory not updating in real-time

Solutions:

• Look for search index rebuild options in SuiteCommerce Advanced
• Verify "Make Inventory Available In Web Store" checked on Location record
• Check that item has quantity at the selected location
• Clear SCIS app cache in advanced settings

Fixing Payment Processing Errors

Problem: "Payment gateway timeout" during checkout

Solutions:

• Verify payment processing profile credentials are current
• Check payment terminal has power and network connectivity
• Ensure credit card pattern matches card type being used
• Test payment terminal directly (outside SCIS) to isolate hardware issues

Problem: Cash drawer won't open

Solutions:

• Verify receipt printer is selected in SCIS Settings
• Check "Open Cash Drawer" is enabled on Cash payment method record
• Test printer directly using manufacturer's utility software
• Confirm cash drawer cable connected to printer (not tablet)

For persistent issues, review NetSuite's troubleshooting guide or contact support.

Why Anchor Group Makes SuiteCommerce InStore Implementation Easier

Configuring tablet-based POS isn't just a technical project—it's a business transformation touching inventory management, customer experience, and staff workflows. While NetSuite provides the platform, successful implementation requires expertise navigating the complexities.

Anchor Group brings Midwestern, no-nonsense consulting to SuiteCommerce implementations. As a NetSuite Alliance Partner and SuiteCommerce Partner with multiple 2022 Spotlight Awards, we've helped retailers across wholesale distribution, food & beverage, and traditional retail deploy SCIS successfully.

Real Retail Experience

We've implemented SuiteCommerce InStore for apparel retailers and wholesalers managing brick-and-mortar plus online channels. Our consultants understand inventory cycles, seasonal peaks, and the operational realities of running registers during Black Friday rushes.

35+ Pre-Built Apps

Our library of SuiteCommerce apps includes extensions for SCIS that accelerate deployment:

• Enhanced customer lookup with purchase history visualization
• Advanced discount reason tracking and reporting
• Multi-register cash management dashboards
• Inventory transfer workflows optimized for retail

These pre-built solutions eliminate custom development time, getting you live faster.

End-to-End Implementation Support

From initial NetSuite feature enablement through staff training and post-go-live support, we handle the full implementation lifecycle. Our team configures:

• NetSuite backend (locations, registers, roles)
• Payment gateway integrations
• Receipt templates and branding
• Custom workflows for your specific retail operations
• Staff training programs tailored to your team's experience level

Clients like Forney Industries note: "Anchor Group took time to listen to our needs, suggest creative solutions, and provide honest feedback every step of the way. Post go-live, Anchor has always been in our corner."

When to Call for Help

Consider partnering with us if you're:

• Deploying SCIS across 5+ locations with complex inventory needs
• Migrating from legacy POS systems (Lightspeed, Vend, NCR)
• Implementing custom workflows (consignment, layaway, B2B showroom sales)
• Integrating specialized payment terminals or loyalty programs
• Managing multi-subsidiary operations

Our transparent pricing and Midwestern approach mean no hidden fees—just straightforward consulting to get your tablet POS running right. Reach out through our contact page to discuss your specific implementation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SuiteCommerce InStore on both iOS and Android tablets?

SCIS supports iPad Generation 5 or newer running iOS 13+ and Surface Pro Generation 5 or newer running Windows 10/11. Android support isn’t available as of 2025—NetSuite hasn’t released an Android-compatible SCIS app, and official docs only list iPad and Windows tablets as supported devices. If your retail environment requires Android tablets, consider alternatives like NetSuite POS (desktop/terminal-based) or third-party POS systems with NetSuite connectors. Most retailers choose iPads for the combination of hardware reliability, App Store ecosystem, and Oracle's ongoing iOS development support.

Does SuiteCommerce InStore work offline if my internet connection drops?

Yes, SCIS includes limited offline mode that continues processing transactions during network outages. You can configure offline transaction limits (default: 25 transactions) and time limits (default: 4 hours) before forced sync. However, offline mode uses cached data—inventory levels won't update, customer lookups show stale information, and new products added during the outage won't appear. Transactions queue locally on the tablet and sync when connectivity restores.

How do I sync inventory between my online store and tablet POS in real time?

Inventory sync happens automatically because SuiteCommerce InStore operates natively within NetSuite—there's no separate database or integration to configure. When an associate scans an item, SCIS queries NetSuite for current available quantity (on-hand minus committed across all sales channels). Upon checkout, NetSuite commits inventory to the sales order instantly. Your SuiteCommerce website queries the same inventory records, so online shoppers see the same real-time availability. The only requirement: ensure "Make Inventory Available In Web Store" is enabled on your Location records.

What mobile payment apps are compatible with SuiteCommerce InStore?

SCIS supports contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) through integrated EMV terminals from MerchantE, Fortis, and other certified processors. The mobile wallet doesn't connect directly to SCIS—instead, customers tap their phone on the payment terminal, which transmits tokenized card data to your payment gateway. Your gateway must support NFC/contactless transactions (most modern processors do). For the most current compatibility, verify your payment processor's certified device list before purchasing hardware.

Can I configure different tax rates for multiple store locations in NetSuite?

Yes, NetSuite's tax nexus system handles jurisdiction-based tax calculation automatically. Set up a tax nexus for each state/region where you collect sales tax. Assign tax schedules to items based on product category and taxability rules. When SCIS processes a transaction, NetSuite calculates tax based on the store location's jurisdiction. For complex multi-state retailers with hundreds of tax rules, integrate Avalara AvaTax through NetSuite's connector—it handles thousands of tax jurisdictions automatically, updating rates as laws change.

Related Articles: How to Enable Point-of-Sale Integration with NetSuite for Omnichannel eCommerce