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SuiteCommerce vs. SuiteCommerce Advanced: 5 Key Differences Explained

For NetSuite users looking to take their eCommerce operations to the next level, choosing the right platform is crucial. SuiteCommerce (SC) and SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA) offer different levels of customization, scalability, and flexibility. But how do they compare, and which one is right for your business?

In one of the episodes of the Take Me To The Cloud podcast, Joaquin Varela (CEO) and Santiago Juan (Sales Lead) from UnlockCommerce joined the conversation to discuss ERP and eCommerce integration.

While the episode focused on how businesses can scale efficiently, one key takeaway was the importance of choosing the right eCommerce platform to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
 
Let’s dive into the main differences between SC and SCA so you can make an informed decision.
SuiteCommerce vs. SuiteCommerce Advanced - 5 Key Differences Explained

Table of Contents

1. Flexibility & Customization: How Much Control Do You Need?

The primary difference between SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced is access to the source code, which determines the level of customization possible.

SuiteCommerce (SC)

  • No access to the source code, meaning fundamental changes to the platform’s architecture are not possible.
  • However, you can still customize extensively using SuiteCommerce Extensions via the Extensibility API, which allows for adding new features and modifying behavior without altering the core platform.
  • Some NetSuite Apps only work with SCA because they require deeper system-level modifications.

SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)

  • Full source code access, enabling developers to build custom features, modify core platform behavior, and optimize performance.
  • Ideal for businesses with complex workflows and unique eCommerce needs that go beyond what standard extensions allow.

Examples of Customizations That Require SCA:

  • Changing Transaction types (i.e., converting all online orders from Sales Orders to Purchase Orders).
  • Allowing customers to modify orders after they’ve been placed.

Examples of Customizations That Do Not Require SCA:

  • Customizing themes (HTML & CSS changes are fully accessible in SC).
  • Adding an additional item to the cart when an add-on (i.e., engraving option) is selected (achievable with JavaScript extensions).

Takeaway: SuiteCommerce supports most business needs with extensions, but if you require deep structural changes, SuiteCommerce Advanced is the better choice.

2. Upgrades & Maintenance: Hands-Off vs. Hands-On?

The way updates are handled is another major difference—SuiteCommerce provides automatic updates, while SuiteCommerce Advanced requires manual upgrades for greater control.

SuiteCommerce (SC)

  • Automatic upgrades ensure that your platform stays up to date with minimal effort.
  • While convenient, automatic updates can impact customizations, making it essential to use the Extensibility API to reduce the risk of breakages.
  • Great for businesses that want a low-maintenance solution without needing to manage version updates manually.

SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)

  • Manual upgrades give businesses the flexibility to decide when to implement new updates.
  • This means you can test all customizations in a sandbox environment before applying updates to prevent downtime or compatibility issues.
  • Best for companies that rely on heavily customized eCommerce sites and need to ensure stability before upgrading.

Takeaway: SuiteCommerce is a great choice for businesses that want worry-free upgrades, while SuiteCommerce Advanced provides better control over update timing and stability.

3. Scalability: Planning for Future Growth

Both SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advanced are scalable solutions, but SuiteCommerce allows for an easier transition to SCA if business needs evolve.
  • SuiteCommerce can scale into SuiteCommerce Advanced, making it a great starting point for businesses that anticipate growth.
  • The transition is relatively straightforward, as both platforms share the same NetSuite architecture, extensions, and themes.
  • Ideal for businesses that start with SuiteCommerce but later need more customization flexibility and performance optimizations.

Takeaway: If you’re unsure about your long-term needs, SuiteCommerce offers a flexible path that allows you to scale into SCA when required.

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4. Implementation & Deployment: How Long Will It Take?

Implementation time can vary depending on customization needs. Both platforms offer fast deployments for standard setups, but SCA may take longer for deep customizations.

Similarities:

  • For businesses using mostly out-of-the-box features, SC and SCA have similar implementation timelines.

Differences:

  • SC implementations are generally faster because it is a managed SaaS solution with minimal custom setup requirements.
  • SCA implementations take longer when businesses require heavy customizations, third-party integrations, or modifications to the platform’s architecture.
  • If an SCA project is highly customized, businesses must account for additional time for development, testing, and deployment.

Takeaway: If time-to-market is a priority, SuiteCommerce is the better option. However, if you need a fully tailored experience, SuiteCommerce Advanced may take longer but will be more flexible in the long run.

5. Staying Up to Date: Why SuiteCommerce Versions Matter

Keeping your SuiteCommerce version updated ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.

Choosing between SC and SCA is important, but staying updated with NetSuite’s latest releases is just as critical. In a previous blog post, Tamara from UnlockCommerce highlighted how leveraging the latest technology is vital for staying competitive in eCommerce. Businesses that fail to upgrade may experience:

  • Slower site performance due to outdated architecture.
  • Security vulnerabilities that put customer data at risk.
  • Lack of new features that could improve customer experience and backend efficiency.

NetSuite provides a SuiteCommerce Advanced Feature Compatibility Matrix (see here) to help businesses understand which features are available in each release. If you’re running on an older version, it might be time to upgrade.

Takeaway: Whether you choose SC or SCA, keeping your SuiteCommerce version up to date is key to maintaining a competitive edge in eCommerce.

Feature SuiteCommerce (SC) SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)
Customization Limited Full access to source code
Implementation Time Same Time Same Time
Scalability Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses. Can upgrade to SCA. Ideal for tailored made eCommerce experience and profound structural change on how the out-of-the-box product works
Cost More affordable Higher upfront & long-term costs
Updates & Maintenance Automatic Manual updates required

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Choose SuiteCommerce if: You want a fast, cost-effective, and low-maintenance eCommerce solution that integrates seamlessly with NetSuite.
  • Choose SuiteCommerce Advanced if: You need full control, custom functionality, and the ability to scale your eCommerce platform with extensive modifications.

For businesses exploring their options, listening to experts discuss ERP and eCommerce integration can provide valuable insights. Check out the full podcast episode featuring Joaquin Varela and Santiago Juan from UnlockCommerce here: Listen Now

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