Building a complex saved search from scratch can be time-consuming. A more efficient and reliable approach is to find an existing search that is close to your needs and duplicate it as a starting point. This strategy not only saves time but also allows you to leverage the proven logic and configuration of existing reports. This guide provides a fact-checked walkthrough of how to duplicate, modify, and manage saved searches effectively.

Why You Should Duplicate, Not Reinvent

Starting from a copy of a working search provides several advantages:

• Time Savings: You don't have to re-create complex criteria, result columns, or formulas.

• Consistency: It helps maintain a consistent structure and logic across related reports.

• Leveraging Standard Reports: NetSuite provides a rich library of standard saved searches that are excellent, pre-configured starting points for common reporting needs.

  
  

How to Duplicate a Saved Search

1. Navigate to and Run the Search: Find the saved search you wish to copy. You can find existing searches under Reports > Saved Searches > All Saved Searches.

2. Use "Save As" to Create a Copy: Once the search results are displayed, hover over the Save button and select Save As from the dropdown menu.

3. Rename Your Search: In the popup window, provide a new, descriptive name for your search.

4. Confirm Creation of a New Search: Ensure that the option to Create a new search is selected. This guarantees that you are creating an independent copy and not just renaming the original.

5. Click Save.

**Warning:** If you click **Save** instead of **Save As**, you risk overwriting the original search (if you have the necessary permissions). Always use **Save As** when your intention is to create a copy.

Key Areas to Modify in Your New Search

Once you have created your duplicate, you can tailor it to your specific requirements.

Best Practices for Naming Saved Searches

A clear naming convention is essential for a manageable and scalable NetSuite account.

• Bad Names: My Search Copy, Test, New Sales Report

• Good Names: Open Invoices - 60+ Days Overdue - US Subsidiary, Sales Orders by Rep - Current Month - Summary, Inventory On Hand by Location - Detail

A good name is descriptive and often includes the primary record type, key filters, and whether it is a summary or detail report.

Finding Good Starting Points

• Standard Searches: On the "All Saved Searches" page, use the filter to show searches where the owner is "Standard." These are pre-built by NetSuite and cover a wide range of common business needs.

• Public Searches: Look for searches that your colleagues have already built and made public.

• Your Own Searches: Often, the best starting point is another search you have already created.

By embracing the "duplicate and modify" approach, you can build out a comprehensive suite of custom reports with speed and confidence.