General Release Information
Release 1.16.0 (SuiteApp version 1.16.000) was released on September 16, 2026, and is a major performance and user interface upgrade for the Approval Matrix. This release reimagines how administrators build, review, and maintain approval routing by making matrix setup faster, clearer, and more scalable for complex approval environments.
Note: This version is currently available to a select group of pilot customers. If you're participating in the pilot, your account will be enabled automatically.
General availability is coming soon. Register for our October customer webinar to see what's new in the Approval Matrix and get your questions answered: Webinar Registration Link →.
What's New: A Reimagined Approval Matrix
Release 1.16.0 marks a landmark milestone for ZoneApprovals — the full redesign of the Approval Matrix setup experience. This release is the culmination of extensive customer research and product investment to address one of the most consistent pieces of feedback we've heard: setting up and managing approval matrices is complex, time-consuming, and difficult to audit.
With 1.16.0, we've rebuilt the matrix from the ground up with three strategic goals in mind:
Reduce time-to-configure for new and updated matrices through a guided setup flow, row duplication, and inline editing
Improve administrative confidence with real-time status indicators, data loss protection, and a persistent how-to guide
Support greater routing sophistication through custom segments, custom fields, and dynamic multi-value filtering
The result is a modern, scalable interface designed to support enterprise-grade approval workflows without enterprise-grade complexity — fully backwards-compatible, so any matrices created in version 1.15.4 or earlier remain active and editable with no reconfiguration required.
For more information, see Creating an Approval Matrix in ZoneApprovals (Version 1.16.0 or Later).
Enhancements
FFA-2130 Exposed Matrix Name & Description as NetSuite Fields
To improve navigation and administrative visibility across accounts, we have transitioned storing Approval Matrix "Name" and "Description" values from internal JSON structures directly into standard NetSuite custom fields on the Approval Matrix record. Matrix names and descriptions are now visible, searchable, and sortable directly from standard NetSuite list views (Setup > ZoneApprovals Setup > Approval Matrix), allowing finance and admin teams to quickly identify specific matrices without opening individual records. A automated migration script populates these new fields for all existing matrix records.
FFA-2023 & FFA-2038 Redesigned Approval Matrix Setup and Configuration Modal
We have streamlined the initial creation experience for new Approval Matrices. Navigating to create a new matrix now presents a clean, focused "Matrix Configuration" modal to define global header settings—including Matrix Name, Description, Subsidiaries, Currency, Record Types, Hierarchy, and Date Ranges—before entering the matrix grid. To clarify the creation lifecycle, the page title displays New Approval Matrix until the configuration is saved as a draft, after which it smoothly transitions to Edit [Matrix Name] Matrix.
FFA-2066 & FFA-2069 Introduced Row-Level Rules Column and Side Drawer
To support complex multi-dimensional routing while maintaining a clean grid layout, we have replaced top-level color chips with a dedicated Rules column on the far left of the matrix grid. Clicking + Add Rules or Edit Rules on any row slides out the Edit Approval Rules side drawer, providing a clear vertical interface to configure standard classifications (Department, Class, Location) at both header and line levels.
FFA-2079 & FFA-2125 Added Custom Segments, Custom Fields, and Improved Field Level Selection
Administrators can now inject custom NetSuite Segments and Fields directly into matrix rules via the Additional Fields button inside the Rules drawer. To eliminate ambiguity when selecting between Header (Body) and Line level fields, the selection modal features standard radio buttons labeled "Field Level" for an intuitive and accessible setup experience.
FFA-2140 Newly Added Rules Appended to the Top of the Rules Drawer
When administrators add new custom segments or fields using the Additional Fields menu inside the Rules drawer, the newly created rule block is now automatically prepended to the top of the drawer list. This ensures actively added rules are immediately visible without requiring users to scroll past default classification rules.
FFA-2080 Dynamic Truncation of Rules and Values in Matrix Grid
To prevent table rows from stretching vertically when complex rules contain dozens of selected values, the Rules column cell in the matrix grid now dynamically truncates text based on configuration density. Single-rule rows display up to 5 values before appending and more..., while multi-rule rows display up to 3 rules with 3 values each. Opening the side drawer reveals the complete list of configured rules and values.
FFA-2100 & FFA-2139 Rules Drawer Data Loss Protection and Safeguards
To prevent accidental data loss during matrix setup, closing the Rules drawer with unsaved modifications now triggers a confirmation dialog giving users the choice to discard changes or return to save. Additionally, clicking the trash icon next to a rule in the drawer clears default classifications or removes custom fields, requiring an explicit confirmation modal before permanently removing those conditions across all matrix rows.
FFA-2042 & FFA-2044 Global Search and Dynamic Rule Filtering
To accelerate matrix auditing and updates in large enterprise environments, we have added a persistent Filters bar at the top of the matrix page. Administrators can use the global search bar ("Search by approver or rule...") to instantly filter rows by assigned approver or rule value. Additionally, dynamic multi-select dropdown filters are automatically created for every active Rule category used in the matrix (e.g., "All Departments", "All Locations").
FFA-2045 Pinned Actions Column with Row Duplication ("Make a Copy")
We have converted the matrix grid to an always-editable state and introduced a pinned Actions column on the far right edge of the screen that remains visible during horizontal scrolling. Administrators can now duplicate an entire approval level—including all assigned rules and approver selections—with a single click using the Make a Copy feature, drastically reducing setup time for complex matrices.
FFA-2043 & FFA-2119 Enhanced Status Chips and Modernized Alert Banners
To give administrators immediate visibility into matrix lifecycle states, a pill-shaped status chip is now rendered next to the matrix title (DRAFT [yellow], PENDING ACTIVATION [yellow], ACTIVE [green], EXPIRED [red]). Furthermore, all alert and information banners across the Approval Matrix page have been updated with rounded corners and optimized spacing adhering to the Zone UI Kit design system.
FFA-2040 On-Screen "How to Use the Approval Matrix" Guide
To guide administrators through matrix management, saving a matrix configuration now displays a static helper section directly beneath the grid titled How to use the Approval Matrix. The guide provides quick reminders regarding filters, rules editing, approver cell behavior, optional approval levels, and top-to-bottom row priority evaluation. This section also includes an updated, click-to-play video tutorial demonstrating the new matrix interface.