The quick answer
Review available stock against the reorder point, then check the Order Items recommendation against the preferred stock level. Select the item, submit the order, and verify the resulting purchase order quantity.
The screenshots show a recorded demonstration with sample data. Use your own records and values when following the steps.
Before you start
This example uses Advanced Inventory Management, manual reorder settings, 1:1 Ea units, and no backorders or open supply. Minimum quantities, reorder multiples, conversions and planning settings can change recommendations.
01. Check the item’s stock settings
Open Compact Actuator → Purchasing/Inventory. Confirm Replenishment Method Reorder Point and manual settings. Portland Warehouse has 18 on hand, 12 available, reorder point 20 and preferred stock 30; committed, on-order and backordered quantities are zero.
02. Explain the availability difference
Open Inventory Detail. Good has 12 on hand and available. The unavailable status row has six on hand and zero available. Its configuration, rather than the status name alone, excludes those units from availability.
03. Review the replenishment recommendation
Open Transactions → Purchases → Order Items → Reorder Point Items. Find the item and location, with Maple Components and Ea. Review the stock columns and proposed Quantity 18 at $45, total $810. Here, 30 preferred − 12 available = 18.
04. Submit only the intended item
Select that item’s Order checkbox, confirm the selected $810 total and Submit. Refresh Processed Purchase Orders until Complete. The example creates PO-9722 with Pending Approval; approval behavior depends on the account.
05. Verify the purchase order quantity
Open PO-9722 and check Maple Components and Portland Warehouse. Items shows 18 Ea at $45, total $810, with Received and Billed both zero. The reorder point triggered the order; preferred stock determined its size.
Check the result
- The recommendation uses available stock and the intended stock target.
- The generated PO matches item, location, vendor, rate and quantity.
- Received remains zero; creating a PO did not add inventory on hand.
Common questions
What is the difference between a reorder point and a preferred stock level?
The reorder point is the trigger for replenishment. The preferred stock level is the target quantity after replenishment. In this example, available stock of 12 is below the reorder point of 20, so NetSuite suggests ordering enough to reach the preferred level of 30: 30 − 12 = 18 units.
Why can NetSuite suggest replenishment when stock is still on hand?
NetSuite evaluates available stock, not just on-hand stock. The item has 18 units on hand, but six are in a status configured as unavailable, leaving 12 available. Because 12 is below the reorder point of 20, the item appears for replenishment.
How do backorders and on-order quantities affect the suggested quantity?
NetSuite considers backordered demand and existing supply. In this example, the calculation is (30 preferred stock + 0 backordered) − (12 available + 0 on order) = 18 units. Purchase units, reorder multiples, minimum quantities, open supply, and account planning settings can change the displayed recommendation.
Does creating a replenishment purchase order increase inventory on hand?
No. Creating the purchase order records intended supply but does not receive inventory. On-hand quantity changes only after the goods are received through the receiving process. Approval settings can also determine whether the purchase order immediately counts as active on-order supply.