ANS-1012 · INVENTORY & ITEM MANAGEMENT

How to Identify and Report on Negative or Zero Inventory in NetSuite?

Leverage NetSuite's standard reports and custom saved searches to effectively monitor and manage inventory items with zero or negative quantities.

AreaInventory & Item ManagementAudienceFinance/accounting teamDifficultyIntermediate

Short answer

NetSuite users can identify negative or zero inventory using the standard 'Review Negative Inventory' report. Additionally, custom saved searches offer flexible reporting, or existing inventory reports can be filtered to display only items with negative or zero quantities.

Scenario

Organizations often need to identify inventory items that show zero or negative quantities within NetSuite. This visibility is crucial for inventory management, reconciliation, and preventing stock-out situations. Users seek efficient methods to generate reports or lists specifically for these inventory states.

Solution

NetSuite provides several methods for identifying inventory items with zero or negative quantities.

  1. Utilize the Standard 'Review Negative Inventory' Report

    NetSuite now includes a dedicated report for this purpose. This report can be accessed to quickly view all items currently showing negative inventory balances.

  2. Create a Custom Saved Search

    For more granular control and specific criteria, users can build a custom inventory saved search. This allows for tailored reporting on items with quantities less than or equal to zero.

    • Navigate to Reports > New Search (or Lists > Search > Saved Searches > New).
    • Select the Item record type.
    • Add criteria such as Quantity On Hand is less than or equal to 0.
    • Customize results to include relevant item details, location, and quantity information.

  3. Filter Existing Inventory Reports

    Standard inventory reports can be filtered to display only items with negative or zero quantities.

    • Access an existing inventory report (e.g., Inventory Activity Report).
    • Apply filters within the report's customization options to show Quantity On Hand is less than or equal to 0.
Originally answered August 21, 2017Verified July 5, 2026

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