Hybrid SuiteApps use a combination of external and native components to extend NetSuite’s native capabilities and connect your system architecture. Unlike native SuiteApps that operate entirely within NetSuite, hybrid SuiteApps are separate solutions that have some native components, while others rely on services hosted elsewhere. 

How do hybrid SuiteApps work with NetSuite?

Portions of the functionality of a hybrid SuiteApp are housed within NetSuite’s environment. Third-party data is pulled into NetSuite, where it can be used to perform whatever the application is meant to do, and it may export data to an external system as well.

Because of this, only the native and integration components are reviewed for Built for NetSuite certification. Like integrated SuiteApps, external components may not perform up to Oracle NetSuite’s standards and could expose users to risks surrounding synchronization and data security.  

By connecting NetSuite with external systems through APIs and other connectors, hybrid SuiteApps can extend their capabilities by leveraging third-party functionality that’s managed within NetSuite’s environment. For instance, a hybrid SuiteApp could export order details from NetSuite to a third party to calculate shipping costs and then import the cost and carrier information to NetSuite.  

Key characteristics of hybrid SuiteApps

1. Dual Infrastructure. Hybrid SuiteApps have components both within NetSuite and externally. 
2. External integrations. These components allow data to flow to and from external sources. 
3. Partially built for NetSuite. Native components are BFN certified. 
4. Combines NetSuite and external data. This includes workflows like shipping, reporting and many other business-specific tasks. 

What are the advantages of hybrid SuiteApps?

A hybrid SuiteApp offers increased flexibility for finance teams by augmenting NetSuite’s native capabilities with third-party functionality. 

• Cross-platform compatibility – hybrid SuiteApps allow for streamlined workflows between NetSuite and valuable third-party tools. 
• Data and Capability Integration – These apps bring data into NetSuite to enrich existing information and enable users to perform actions within the NetSuite UI. For example, they might allow team members to approve purchases or track shipments directly from NetSuite
• Easier to implement – While hybrid SuiteApps don’t carry the same performance certifications as native SuiteApps, they maintain much of NetSuite’s familiar environment for your team. 

What are the risks of hybrid SuiteApps for finance workflows? 

• Compatibility issues – Some aspects of hybrid SuiteApps are Built for NetSuite and housed within it, but external components are still subject to third-party updates. This can result in breakdowns and synchronization lags that leave you exposed to audit and reporting risks. 
• Increased complexity – Hybrid SuiteApps deliver flexibility, but because they aren’t native NetSuite solutions, they can increase complexity and potentially add to operational costs.
• Security vulnerabilities – Because you only own data when it’s in your NetSuite environment, you may face security challenges when it’s interacting with third-party software. For instance, if order data is exported to a shipping company for a quote, it’s out of your control while that system processes it. 
• Loss of data integrity – When synchronization issues arise, your team will have to rely on manually transferring and reconciling data. This can introduce errors, disrupt your weekly workflow and impact reporting, compliance, audits and monthly close. 

In many instances, hybrid SuiteApps offer a balance of risk and flexibility for businesses looking to achieve increased functionality and unlock automation within NetSuite. However, these solutions represent a compromise between functionality and true real-time data visibility. That’s how finance teams find themselves fighting errors, burning time and wasting resources trying to keep up. 

Can your business eliminate third-party compromises in NetSuite?

Hybrid SuiteApps can offer finance teams a lot of flexibility without compromising entirely on a NetSuite-centered workflow. But does it come at the expense of real-time data and security? 

Yes. Native SuiteApps like ZoneBilling, ZoneReporting and ZoneCapture eliminate additional logins, synchronization issues and data integrity pitfalls that a hybrid SuiteApp introduces. Native solutions operate entirely within NetSuite and offer the following powerful advantages to finance teams.

Single source of truth – With Zone’s native NetSuite apps, all transactions are housed entirely within NetSuite. There are no data gaps, lags or logins to juggle. 

Real-time visibility – Without synchronization delays or downtime, your data is always up to date for reports, audits and compliance.

Optimized finance workflows – Zone & Co’s SuiteApps eliminate learning curves, additional logins and manual bottlenecks associated with third-party solutions to unlock fully automated strategies.  

Finance teams that prioritize accuracy, scalability and real-time insight need more than just connectivity – they need control. NetSuite-native SuiteApps eliminate the risks of synchronization delays, upgrade conflicts and security blind spots. If your goal is to scale without the friction of third-party tools, that’s the only option that truly keeps pace.