How to Create a Dunning Procedure in NetSuite

📉 Problem: Manually chasing overdue invoices is time-consuming and inconsistent. Automating dunning emails inside NetSuite helps streamline collections, improve cash flow, and reduce manual effort, without needing to buy the AR Automation add-on.

This guide walks you through setting up saved searches, workflows, and email templates to automate reminders based on invoice aging.

Steps to Automate Dunning Emails

Step 1: Install the Dunning Letters SuiteApp

Go to Customization > SuiteBundler > Search and Install Bundles

• Search for the bundle with ID 392827
  
  
• Install the Dunning Letters SuiteApp
  This installs all the components needed for automated dunning workflows.

Step 2: Create Dunning Procedures

Go to Dunning > Setup > Dunning Procedure > New

• Complete the required header fields (e.g., name, priority)
  
  
• Define selection criteria to decide which invoices should be included
  
  
• Add one or more dunning levels to control escalation timing and tone
  
  
• Assign appropriate templates to each level
  Save the procedure when done.

Step 3: Create Dunning Level Rules

Go to Dunning > Setup > Dunning Level Rule > New

• Name the rule and specify number of days overdue (can be negative for pre-due reminders)
  
  
• Choose applicable currency
  
  
• Optionally, set thresholds for minimum transaction amount or total overdue balance
  These rules define when and why a particular dunning level triggers.

Step 4: Create Dunning Templates

Go to Dunning > Setup > Dunning Templates > New

• Define the email or letter content
  
  
• Select the language, and mark it as a default template if needed
  
  
• Choose whether to attach invoices automatically (all vs. overdue only)
  Templates personalize the customer communication per escalation stage.

Step 5: Assign Dunning Procedures to Customers

Go to Lists > Relationships > Customers > [Select Customer]

• Open the Dunning subtab
  
  
• On the Procedure Setup subtab, choose the appropriate dunning procedure

You can also assign procedures to multiple customers at once: Go to Dunning > Setup > Dunning Bulk Assignment

Step 6 (Optional): Assign Dunning Preferences in Bulk

Go to Dunning > Setup > Bulk Update Customer Records
Use this tool to mass-update dunning-related preferences like procedure priority, template defaults, or email settings across your customer base.

Step 7 (Optional): Monitor Activity with the Dunning Dashboard

Go to Dunning > Dunning Overview. This dashboard provides insights into:

• Total overdue balances
  
  
• Aging by dunning level
  
  
• Status of communications sent

It’s a helpful at-a-glance view for your AR and finance teams.

Congrats! You've successfully set up your dunning workflow.

Oracle NetSuite ERP lets you automate dunning emails using saved searches, workflows, and email templates. By aligning emails to invoice aging buckets, you can streamline follow-ups and reduce manual effort while maintaining a consistent tone across stages.

Pro tip: Growfin reads customer payment behavior, email engagement, and risk signals to dynamically adjust message tone, timing, and escalation paths. Instead of static workflows, you get a living, responsive dunning system, so your team follows up smarter, not just faster.

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