Introduction
Effective timesheet tracking in NetSuite is essential for accurate payroll processing, project costing, regulatory compliance, and efficient workforce management. Within the NetSuite ERP system, the default configuration typically sets Monday as the first day of the week for time tracking. However, organizations that follow a Sunday-start workweek may need to update their NetSuite preferences to align with internal policies and ensure accurate reporting across Time & Labor, Project Management, and Resource Allocation modules. This blog will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the start day of the week in NetSuite Timesheets, optimizing your billing accuracy, work schedules, and time entry workflows through proper configuration of Employee Records, Time Tracking Preferences, and Accounting Period setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Start Day in NetSuite
- Log in to your NetSuite account as an administrator or a user with access to company preferences.
- Navigate to Setup > Company > Preferences > General Preferences.
Modify the Start of the Week Setting
- Scroll down to the section labeled Defaults.
- Locate the field First Day of Week.
- Change the value from Monday to Sunday using the dropdown selection.
- Click Save to apply the changes.
Verify the Change in Timesheets
- Navigate to Transactions > Employees > Weekly Timesheet.
- Open a new timesheet to confirm that the weekly layout now starts from Sunday instead of Monday.
- Ensure that all reports and approvals reflect the updated workweek structure.
Note: Be sure to review the timesheet for the following week, as NetSuite does not apply changes to the start day of the week for the current timesheet to avoid potential reporting conflicts.
Communicate the Change to Employees
- Notify employees and managers about the update so they can adjust their time entry practices accordingly.
- Update internal documentation or training materials to reflect the new timesheet structure.
Impact on Payroll and Reporting
- Payroll calculations if your pay periods align with weekly time entries.
- Project tracking and reporting, particularly if NetSuite is integrated with external project management tools.
- Approval workflows, which may need to be reviewed to ensure seamless processing of timesheets.
Customization Options
If your organization requires different start days for specific employees or departments, consider leveraging NetSuite scripting (SuiteScript) or saved searches to create custom views and filters.
Conclusion
Modifying the first day of the workweek in NetSuite is a straightforward configuration task, but it requires careful consideration to avoid disruptions in payroll processing, time tracking reports, project task allocation, and compliance with labor laws. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined above within the NetSuite Time Tracking and Company Preferences settings, businesses can ensure that their timesheet entries, employee schedules, and resource utilization are fully aligned with their operational workflows. This adjustment also enhances the accuracy of NetSuite Payroll, Project Management, Job Costing, and Workforce Analytics. Proper configuration supports better financial forecasting, improved resource planning, and adherence to NetSuite best practices for HR and Accounting integration.
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