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Pablo Pereyra

Single Sign-On (SSO) Authentication: How NetSuite Enables Unified Access Across Platforms

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Table of Contents

What is Single Sign-On (SSO) and Why Does It Matter?

Managing multiple logins across platforms is a frustrating experience for users and a security risk for businesses. Single Sign-On (SSO) solves this by allowing users to authenticate once and access multiple systems without repeatedly entering credentials.

Instead of maintaining separate usernames and passwords for every platform, SSO leverages a central Identity Provider (IdP) to validate users. Traditionally, businesses use Google, Azure, or Okta as IdPs, but in our case, NetSuite itself acts as the IdP, ensuring that all customer authentication originates from a single source of truth.

Custom SSO Integration: NetSuite as the Identity Provider for Webstore access

Most SSO implementations rely on external identity providers, but in our case, NetSuite is the authoritative source for all customer data. Instead of storing separate credentials across different platforms, we built a custom authentication flow where:
  • Existing NetSuite customers authenticate SuiteCommerce site through a central authentication service.
  • This service handles login requests, validating credentials against NetSuite.
  • All platforms connect to this authentication layer, ensuring unified access.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. User logs in through a centralized authentication portal

The user enters their credentials, but they are validated against NetSuite, not a third-party database.

2. The authentication service verifies credentials with NetSuite

A request is sent to NetSuite’s Validation Service to check if the user exists as a Customer. If the credentials match, NetSuite confirms authentication.

3. The authentication service retrieves user details from NetSuite

Once validated, user attributes (such as Customer ID, roles, or permissions) are retrieved from NetSuite’s User Info Service.

4. The authentication service stores a session token for seamless access across platforms

All connected platforms authenticate via the central authentication layer.

Single Sign-On diagram

Once authenticated, the user gains access to all integrated platforms (customer portal, forum, knowledge center, etc.) through a secure, token-based session management system.

Real-World Scenario: A SuiteCommerce Store with SSO

If you are running an eCommerce business on SuiteCommerce, and customers frequently need access to:

  • Customer Portal (to track orders, invoices, and support requests).
  • Community Forum (to discuss products and share reviews).
  • Knowledge Base (to read help articles and FAQs).

Instead of making customers manage separate logins for each service, we built a custom authentication flow where NetSuite serves as the Identity Provider:

  • The user logs in to the SuiteCommerce site.
  • The login request is sent to a centralized authentication service.
  • This service validates credentials against NetSuite’s database.
  • Once authenticated, a session token is generated.
  • All connected platforms recognize this session token, allowing the user to navigate seamlessly.

This means your NetSuite customer account becomes your universal identity across all integrated services.

The Power of Unified Access Across Platforms

By implementing this NetSuite SSO integration, businesses gain a centralized, secure, and seamless authentication experience across multiple platforms.

For businesses:

  • Single source of truth for authentication—no duplicated user management.
  • Stronger security—sessions and authentication flows are handled by a dedicated authentication service.
  • Reduced IT overhead—fewer support tickets related to password resets.

For users:

  • One login to access multiple services (e.g., customer portal, forum, knowledge center).
  • Frictionless experience—no need to manage multiple accounts.
  • Enhanced security and compliance—authentication is managed centrally via NetSuite.

Final thought: Instead of separate logins for different platforms, your NetSuite customer account becomes your universal identity, enabling seamless authentication across all connected services.

Want to implement this SSO solution for your SuiteCommerce ecosystem?

If your business runs on NetSuite + SuiteCommerce and you want a seamless, secure authentication experience, let’s talk! We’ve built a scalable solution that ensures seamless, secure access for all your platforms.

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Pablo Pereyra

Pablo is a Technical Lead at UnlockCommerce, specializing in SuiteScript development and SuiteCommerce implementations. With deep expertise in NetSuite’s architecture and customization capabilities, he plays a crucial role in delivering tailored eCommerce solutions that enhance functionality and performance.

Pablo is passionate about solving complex technical challenges, optimizing eCommerce platforms, and ensuring seamless integrations that drive business growth. His commitment to innovation and technical excellence makes him an invaluable asset to the UnlockCommerce team and its clients.

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