Creating Catalogs
Catalogs are called products on the user interface.
NetSuite CPQ Guided Selling uses catalogs to organize collections of items that users can search. Each catalog gathers all the filters required to display a specific collection of items and provides users with an interface to search for items based on their needs. For example, a furniture company might have separate catalogs for desks and chairs. Customers can filter desks and chairs to find the items that match their preferences.
When setting up a catalog user interface, you can check that everything works correctly using the catalog preview. The catalog preview lets you work with the catalog user interface without opening a catalog from a transaction every time. To access the catalog preview, edit the catalog (called the product) record and click the Run Standalone button.
You can preview the list of catalogs displayed to users. To access the catalog list preview, go to the Select Product page at Guided Selling > Product > Standalone. Users view the Select Product page when clicking the Guided Selling button on transactions.
A catalog is composed of several building blocks, such as filter categories, filter subcategories, and filters. For more information, see Working with Catalog Building Blocks.
The default catalog template uses basic filter expressions to set the conditions for filtering items by a specific item field. Alternatively, you can create an advanced catalog template to search for items using multiple item fields. For more information, see Working with Basic or Advanced Filter Expressions and Working with Advanced Catalog Templates.
You can also export and import catalogs. For more information, see Exporting and Importing Catalogs.
To preview the catalog faster during the setup, check the Disable cache box on the catalog (called the product) record. By checking this box, you prevent the cache from being frequently deleted and recreated each time you open the catalog to view the updates during the setup. Clear this box when the catalog is ready, and use the cache to load it faster.
To create a catalog:
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Go to Guided Selling > Product > Product Maintenance.
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Click New CPQG Product.
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Enter a descriptive name for the catalog.
Users view this name on the Select Product page and on the catalog user interface.
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In the Code field, enter a unique identifier for this catalog.
The code must contain only uppercase letters, numbers, and underscore characters. You can use a shortened version of the name as the code.
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Provide a sequence number to sort the catalog on the Select Product page.
You can enter a negative or positive number—for example, -2 or 5. Catalogs are sorted from lowest to highest sequence number.
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(Optional) In the Description field, enter a brief explanation of the catalog.
The description isn't displayed to users.
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In the Product Image field, select the image to display on the catalog list preview.
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To hide the catalog from the Select Product page until it's ready, check the Disable box.
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Click Save.
If you want to delete a catalog, see Deleting Catalogs.
Deleting Catalogs
If you no longer need a catalog, you can permanently delete it from your account to save database space. To delete a catalog, edit it and click the Delete button. Then, type DELETE and click Confirm to proceed with this task.
You won't be able to undo the deletion. The catalog record and all its subrecords will be deleted from your NetSuite account.
Working with Catalog Building Blocks
Catalogs are organized into building blocks, such as filters, filter options, and additional items. Most building blocks are rule-based, and can be activated or hidden based on specific conditions. For more information about rules, see Activating or Hiding Building Blocks with Rules.
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Advanced catalog templates (called origins) – Search for items based on multiple item fields. For more information, see Working with Advanced Catalog Templates.
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Filter categories (called menu categories) – Organize filters into broad groups based on shared characteristics. For more information, see Working with Filter Categories and Subcategories.
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Filter subcategories (called menu items) – Break categories down into more specific groups. For more information, see Working with Filter Categories and Subcategories.
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Filters (called questions) – Gather user preferences to refine the search results. For more information, see Working with Filters.
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Filter options (called answers) – Show users the available filter attributes and let them express their preferences. For more information, see Working with Filter Options.
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Tables – Store filter options. For more information, see Storing Filter Options in Tables.
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Additional items – Suggest complementary items to users. For more information, see Including Additional and Required Items in the Search Results.
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Required items – Require users to add specific items to the transaction because they have to be purchased together with the chosen items. For more information, see Including Additional and Required Items in the Search Results.
After creating a building block instance, you can copy or delete it. Copying an instance lets you reuse existing information and minimize manual work.
To copy a building block:
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On the building block subtab, click the name of the building block you want to copy.
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In the Actions dropdown menu, select Make a Copy.
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Edit the building block name, code, and sequence number, if available.
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On the Rules or Rule section or subtab, edit the rules to match the requirements for this new building block.
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Apply changes to other fields and subtabs, and enter new data as needed.
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Click Save.
If a building block instance is no longer needed, you can delete it permanently. Edit the building block record and go to the Actions dropdown menu. Then, select Delete and click OK to confirm that you want to delete the building block.
Exporting and Importing Catalogs
You can export and import catalogs at Guided Selling > System > Global Settings. Use the import and export options to move catalogs from your sandbox account to your production account after testing. You can also create catalog duplicates in your current account to use as a base for new catalogs.
To export a catalog, select one in the Export Product field and click the Export button. The catalog will be saved as a ZIP file on your computer.
In the exported file, you can include additional resources, such as background images. If these resources aren't available in the target account, check the Export product resources box before exporting the catalog. However, if you export the catalog for testing purposes and don't need additional resources, leave the box unchecked.
After exporting a catalog, you can import it back into the same account or a different one. In the Import Product field, select the ZIP file containing the catalog and click the Import button.